The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

Choke on Smoke

Somerset Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency, Inc.
Somerville, NJ
Sharon Lutz, Executive Director
908/722-4900

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Among the many attractions at the Liberty Science Center--the top field trip destination for school children in the greater New York metropolitan area--is an exhibit that uses interactive computer technology to prevent kids from smoking.

Developed by the NCADD Affiliate in Somerset County, NJ with a donation from the Johnson & Johnson Company, "Choke On Smoke" is also available for school or home use to anyone who has access to a computer equipped with CD-ROM. "We wanted an affordable, innovative new medium to prevent future addiction to nicotine," explains executive director Sharon Lutz.

This cutting-edge prevention program, winner of the 1998 NCADD Prevention and Education Commendation Award, combines video, photos, sound, graphics and even games with old-fashioned story-telling to educate 6th to 10th graders about the health hazards associated with tobacco use. Sasha, the video narrator, introduces the story of what happens to a group of teens on prom night, an event that kids can easily relate to their own experience. As the story unfolds in chapters that can be read or listened to, Sasha provides encouragement and useful information through a lively behind-the-scenes commentary (it also doesn't hurt that Sasha would not look out of place in a beer commercial targeted at the MTV generation).

But what gives the anti-smoking (and drinking) message even greater credibility is the involvement of actual students from an alternative school for at-risk youth who created it as part of a class project. They also served as models for the photographs illustrating the story and making it seem even more realistic.

The action begins as a few high school seniors, dressed in formal attire, are riding to the prom in a limousine. As some members of the group begin smoking and drinking, viewers are challenged to test their knowledge on the negative consequences associated with these activities. In addition, each page features instant access to a glossary that defines specific words. The program concludes as the former students reunite years later with the non-smokers reporting on their healthy, fulfilling lives.

Rounding out the 90-minute program are a question and answer section; a series of games that reinforces the educational aspects of the program by asking that viewers match facts with figures and words with definitions; and a bibliography to encourage additional research. Each CD also comes with a curriculum guide, developed to assist teachers in integrating the program with their regular classroom work.

Teens who have used the CD-ROM have reacted positively. "I think it's a great way for kids to learn about these issues and form other opinions about smoking," says Dana Weisberg, a student at local high school who thinks the board of education should buy the program for middle and high schools.

"Choke on Smoke" can be purchased for $189. For ordering information, please call the phone number above.

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National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

244 East 58th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 phone: 212/269-7797   fax: 212/269-7510 email: national@ncadd.org   http://www.ncadd.org HOPE LINE: 800/NCA-CALL (24-hour Affiliate referral)