Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy have a paper on the use of drama in an American setting to educate parents about drug issues. The aim of the project was to “increase awareness and understanding of the risk and protective factors associated with alcohol and other drug use, and to promote pro-active behaviors in substance abuse prevention within the adult community.”
The researchers conclude:
Drama incorporates a component of emotional response to the informational content, and the combination of emotion and information works together to promote individual intentions to become more involved in family and community prevention activities. This study demonstrates the efficacy of drama as a mechanism to educate and motivate. Support for this mechanism is warranted at the level of state, local community, school district, and faith-based and community organizations.
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Filed under: USA, parents, research, risk and protective factors
We, Vita Nova, have been carried out drama productions for young people, parents and other groups in the UK, mainly Dorset & Hampshire, working with people in recovery from addiction. It certainly seems to assist the understanding of addiction and to give the true facts without preaching or maximising.