The Drug and Alcohol Addiction Test

Gr 7 Up—A pair of teen narrators, expert advice from an adult substance abuse counselor, dramatic reenactments, and a parade of testimonials from recovering substance abusers comprise this well-intentioned program. While the publisher states that the program is interactive, there is no electronic feedback. The narrators, who face forward in a rather stiff delivery, pose questions to viewers to determine if they have a problem with alcohol and other drugs. Ersatz cinematic frames surround printed questions, presumably to provide a documentary feel. Dramatic reenactments are interspersed between interviews with diverse youth who have succumbed to various substance abuse habits and are now in recovery. A counselor offers accurate, clinical observations, and calmly discusses some very disturbing results of substance abuse and addiction. Viewers are told, though, that recovery is within reach. Students will find the program somewhat convincing, despite the stilted delivery by the narrator. The useful teacher's guide includes pre- and post-viewing questions, objectives, and supplementary study materials.—Robin Levin, Ft. Washakie School/Community Library, Ft. Washakie, WY