The aim of the manual is to introduce teachers and others who work with young people to a way of teaching drug education and other health issues such as HIV/AIDS, based on the development of links between knowledge values and skills. It is not a drug education program, but introduces ideas and skills for building programs that can lead to better health and drug education outcomes that may ultimately influence student drug use.

The manual, along with training in its use, will give teachers and others working with young people, practical skills and knowledge in enhancing the personal and social competence of students through the development of Life Skills. This includes the acquisition of situation specific skills and strategies, while addressing values and knowledge relevant to decisions being made about drug use and similar issues like sexual health, HIV/AIDS and nutrition. The strategies and activities are relevant to all who have a role in addressing the physical, social, emotional and spiritual health and welfare of students.

UNIT ONE
Introduction
About the Manual What is a drug?
About Life Skills Goals of Life Skills-based education

UNIT TWO
Planning for Life Skills-based education for drug use prevention
• Section 1. Approaches to Drug Education
• Section 2. Incorporating knowledge, attitudes/ values and skills
• Section 3. Consideration of Issues
• Section 4. Planning Learning Activities
• Section 5 Evaluation and Assessment

UNIT THREE
• Life Skills
• Life Skill 1 - Working in Small Groups and Facilitation
• Life Skill 2 - Communication
• Life Skill 3 – Decision-making
• Life Skill 4 - Assertion
• Life Skill 5 – Self Awareness Building Skills
• Life Skill 6 – Coping and Stress Management Skills

UNIT FOUR
Facilitator Support Material
• Section One - Teaching Strategies
• Section Two - Group dividers
• Section Three – Energisers

UNIT FIVE
Workshop Organisation
• Section One – Workshop Planning Considerations
• Section Two - Workshop Format
• Section Three - Workshop Program
• Section Four - Workshop Evaluation
• Section Five - Workshop Follow Up

UNIT SIX
Drugs and HIV/AIDS Background Information
• Section One - Drug Information
• Section Two - HIV/AIDS Information

UNIT SEVEN
Appendices
• Section One - Reasons young people use drugs
• Section Two - Identification of drug users
• Section Three - Basic counselling skills for teachers
• Section Four - Involving parents and communities

UNIT EIGHT
References