Many young people view drugs as part of growing up – a phase that most can move through relatively unscathed. But for some, contact with drugs can have devastating consequences. For years the message ‘Don't Take Drugs' has been reinforced by media coverage, health warnings and legislation. But despite all the attention, youngsters continue to be tempted. Why? One reason is that they would like to be given the chance to express their opinions. ‘Drugs – a simple choice?' gives them that opportunity.

‘A direct and revealing approach to an important social issue recounting the changing lifestyles of three young people involved in drug taking.'

Jan McDonald, Suffolk County Advisor for Personal & Social Development

‘A clear, thoughtful and realistic look at the issues surrounding drug use in modern day society,

‘..this video will have a positive impact on the target audience. An excellent method of getting the message across.'

David Elliott, Deputy Governor, HMP HIGHPOINT

The programme interviews three young drug takers and includes dramatic reconstructions of events they describe.

JASON – aged 24 Charged with Possession

Graduate, social user and dealer, lost well-paid job after being convicted, ostracised from family, now dealing on a larger scale.

SHARON – aged 17 Probation for Burglary

Early contact with drugs, unhappy family life, leaves home, funds drug habit through shoplifting, mugging and prostitution. Now back home on probation and commencing rehab.

SAMUEL – aged 18 Life Sentence for Murder

Peer pressure and lack of prospects pushed him into joining ‘gang'. Regular user of weed, girlfriend became pregnant, caught up in fight resulting in murder charge.

It has been produced in four Sections with breaks in between to allow discussion

Section A - Why take Drugs?

Provides some answers to this question and provide examples of social use, peer pressure and escapism.

Section B – What are they risking?

Based on the interviews, some of the negative consequences of drugs – criminal prosecution, family alienation, health risks etc - are dramatically reconstructed.

Section C - What problems do they now have?

Their stories unfold further in terms of employment & future prospects, reputation & loss of respect, personal safety, health issues, exposure to criminal activities and restrictions on freedom.

Section D - What does the future hold?

The three comment on what could happen next and viewers are asked to consider who, of the three, they have the most sympathy for and why.

Includes a training guide providing a transcript of the video, a suggested presentation approach and examples of questions to open discussion.

Produced in conjunction with Suffolk Local Education Authority & The Suffolk Drug Action Team