Uppers and Downers: The Facts about Stimulants and Depressants 2006
Distributed by Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800-431-2050
Produced by Human Relations Media
Directed by John O’Neill
VHS, color, 17 min.
Grades 6-12
Health Sciences, Adolescence, Education, Biology, Drug Education
Date Entered: 02/16/2007
Reviewed by Kristin M. Jacobi, J. Eugene Smith Library, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CTThis video presents the dangers of many drugs used by adolescents, noting that all drugs affect the central nervous system. Using a roller coaster as a visual metaphor, stimulants and depressants are discussed. Several recovering drug users are recorded and their interview clips are shown throughout.
The physical and psychological dependencies are fleshed out with these personal stories, and experts provide informational commentaries.
The stimulants, including nicotine and caffeine, speed up the body’s functions. The depressants, ranging from alcohol to prescription drugs, slow the body’s metabolism, brain functions, and reaction time. These uppers and downers can be used in combination with deadly results.
HRM delivers the video with a current curriculum to lead discussions and engage students in the classroom, including an extensive bibliography with resources that are packaged in a 3-ring binder. The Teacher’s Resource Book is well done. The production of the video is professional and of high quality. But, it should be noted that some of the video clips are used in other HRM videos on substance abuse.
This resource is recommended for school media centers.