Activity: Substance Use True/False
This a game for ages 10+, as it focuses on facts and statistics of addiction, abuse, or any topic that faces
your family. This game is best with groups of at least 4 participants and can be played with a limitless
amount of people as this game is only restricted by the space you have to play, although this game can
be played with only 2 people seeing masses of people move and talk is both more fun and feels safer for
people to move and share their personal thoughts and not just follow others.
Directions:
1. Separate room in two, one side true the other false
2. Read a statement about substance abuse
a. Example statements/facts:
i. The most commonly abused drug in the US is alcohol (T)
ii. Most drug users make their first contact with drugs on accident (F, through
friends)
iii. More people die each year in the US from tobacco use than any other drug (T)
iv. A blunt is marijuana in a pipe (F, wrapped in a cigar)
v. Crack is one of the most addictive drugs available today (T)
vi. Physical dependence can involve painful withdrawal symptoms when the drug is
no longer used (T)
vii. A single 2 oz. shot of alcohol can have to same amount of alcohol as a can of
beer (T)
viii. A cup of coffee or a cold shower will sober a drunk person up (F)
3. Participants move to one side or the other based on their belief of the statement
4. Read statement again and answer the question
5. Discuss the reason for answer and why participants selected the side they did
This activity is great for larger groups as it keeps everyone involved at all times. Opens up channels of
discussion and allows you to both learn about other people’s views but also facts of substance use and
abuse. This game helps build both peoples emotional and cognitive awareness of their feelings towards
and around drug use. This allows both kids and adults alike to learn more about the effects of drug use,
and some general knowledge so when they might be in a situation where drugs are present and
available to them, they will know what is happening and to make a decision if they are safe, or
comfortable in the situation. The best part about this activity is the people on the wrong side of a
question they are forced to ask and think about both where they learned that information, and what is
the correct answer, helping them secure this new knowledge.