What'll It Be?
By Michael Agnew

Each of us has a personal choice to make about whether, when, and how much to use drugs or alcohol. All too often students make that choice without really considering the options available to them—or the possible consequences of their actions. In a society that often glamorizes the use of drugs and alcohol, making an informed decision can be difficult. On what should students base their decision? What options are available? How does one know when enough is too much, and what can a student do if they or someone they know has a problem? By revealing the facts, What'll It Be? enables students to reevaluate their own attitudes toward drug and alcohol use on campus. It shows students how to identify problems and suggests ways to deal with them when they are discovered.

What'll It Be? follows four friends as they attempt to negotiate this difficult issue. The realistic scenes allow students to relate the possible effects of substance abuse to their own lives and relationships. Most importantly, What'll It Be? fosters a dialogue through which students can help each other determine what is acceptable behavior, whatever choice they make for themselves.

What'll It Be? can be an important part of new student orientation programs. It is also perfect for National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week events.

The Scenes

• Anna, Jim, and Pete came to the party together. But as Jim and Pete keep drinking, Anna wonders if they should leave together.

• Jim and Rich have an important assignment due. When Jim goes to Rich's room to work on it, Rich is stoned. Will they finish the assignment?

• When Jim shows up in Anna's room drunk, he wants to "get romantic". But Anna says "No". Will he listen?

• Anna wants to help Jim with his problem, but doesn't know where to turn. What should she do? How much can she help?

Objectives & Discussion Topics

Scene I: The Party

• Choices about drinking behavior: responsible drinking vs. problem drinking.

• Binge drinking.

• "Know Before You Go": when to make choices about drinking.

• Common reasons for drinking and alternatives to drinking.

• Drinking and driving.

• Dealing with a friend who has passed out.

• Alcohol poisoning.

Scene II: The Project

• Are there differences between alcohol and other drugs?

• Some consequences of abuse.

• Recognizing when someone has a problem. (It might be you.)

Scene III: The Relationship

• The effects of substance abuse on relationships.

• Co-dependency and enabling behavior.

• Alcohol and Sexual Assault: there is a connection.

Scene IV: Getting Help

• What can you do for a friend with a problem? What can't you do?

• What can you do for yourself if you have a friend with a problem?

• Where can you go for help?

The goal of What'll It Be? is to help students make informed choices about drug and alcohol use, whatever their individual choices may be. It does not lecture or attempt to impose a specific choice. Instead, What'll It Be? asks students to evaluate their own attitudes and behavior related to substance use, and to engage in a discussion with peers about what behavior is acceptable.