Minimize Risk Maximize Life

This curriculum provides the script, activities, worksheets, and PowerPoint presentation needed to present the MRML course to adult audiences. Course goals: 1. Increase the use of the low-risk drinking guidelines among adults 2. Decrease high risk alcohol use among adults 3. Decrease problems association with high risk alcohol use 4. Increase understanding of low-risk drinking guidelines language and concepts to share with others (including youth) Benefits of the MRML Program: -Specifically designed for adult learners -Easy to implement -Flexible and adaptable -Semi-scripted and conversational For years, the substance abuse prevention field has focused its attention and resources toward youth. The result in Southwest Ohio (and nationally) is that youth use of the gateway drugs (alcohol, tobacco and marijuana) has decreased over the past 10 years. This is great news for all of us who have worked so diligently with youth for a decade or more. Parents are their children's first role models and the single largest influencing factor of alcohol use for teens. The evidence is clear that parents can make a difference in this area of their child's life. But what do you say to them? How will someone know if they are making responsible decisions regarding their own drinking? This curriculum was developed to help answer the ominous questions like: WHEN to say when? Or shouldn't I think BEFORE I drink and not WHEN I drink? Mixed messages from the media and alcohol beverage industry have made the job of educating our society about appropriate alcohol use for those of age to do so a difficult and confusing task. We seek to share a common language for adults to use personally, professionally and even with youth (in the none under 21 context). Behavior change (if needed) cannot happen without accurate, quantifiable information that can be easily understood and adaptable to real life. We hope that you will use this curriculum to educate yourself and share it with others and that they will be able to share the information within their own spheres of influence--other family members, friends, co-workers, etc. Adults using the low-risk drinking guidelines can be a positive step toward a healthier community. For more information, contact lowriskdrinking@yahoo.com