Drinking Games, Alcohol Abuse and Overdose 2011
Distributed by Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800-431-2050
Produced by John G. Young
Directed by John G. Young
DVD, color, 24 min., Teacher's Resource Book requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
Jr. High - General Adult
Adolescence, Health Sciences
Date Entered: 10/27/2011
Reviewed by Mary Northrup, Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods, Kansas City, MissouriThrough an effective mixture of testimony from experts and those with personal experience, this film shows the horrors of what can happen when binge drinking turns deadly. An emergency room doctor, the chief of police of a Florida city, and researchers from the Adolescent Brain Imaging Project lend credence and gravity to this subject. They do not sugarcoat the topic, but give compelling and serious information on what drinking games are, the effects of peer pressure, why young people take part in these games, the process of drunkenness, the dangers of binge drinking, and the legal and physical consequences.
The parents of a 15-year-old boy who died playing drinking games provide highly emotional testimony as they tell the story of the worst night of their lives and the years since. In addition, a young girl talks about her experiences as a teenager with binge drinking and the shame and unhappiness it brought her. These true-life stories underline the human cost in very stark terms to supplement what the experts have said. In addition, students at a college that has banned drinking games give their opinions on why this has worked on their campus.
Visuals are clear and colorful, with some recreations of scenes in black-and-white, which adds to the mood. The sound underscores the drama, with special effects and music.
While this program has elements of the "scared straight" technique, it could very well influence teens who are convinced by the doctor's no-nonsense approach to the facts or by the raw emotional stories of the grieving parents. This film would be an excellent addition to any junior high, high school, or college media collection. It would be useful for classroom discussions in health classes. Church or community youth groups might also consider using this for programs on the topic. Public libraries may also consider purchase so it is available to teens and parents.
Included on the disk is a PDF file of a Teacher's Resource Book. Instructions for opening it for both PC and Mac users are included. Resources include learning objectives, suggested activities, pre/post-tests, discussion questions, and fact sheets.
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