Guidelines for Setting Standards through Example

Setting Standards Through Example

There are two ways that adults can be positive role models regarding tobacco, alcohol or other drug use. They can choose to abstain, or to use moderately, approximately, and legally.

Choosing Not to Use

Nearly one-third of the adults in America choose to abstain from the use of alcohol --- for a variety of reasons. The assumption that "everyone drinks" is simply not true. Each person's choice to abstain should be protected and affirmed.

Using Appropriately, Moderately and Legally

Adults who choose to use tobacco, alcohol or other drugs should do so appropriately, moderately and legally. "Legal" is relatively easy to define, even though laws may change. Moderate and appropriate are more difficult to determine. "Appropriate" is situational, and refers to time and place. "Moderate" refers to the amount and frequency with which tobacco, alcohol or other drugs are consumed.

The following are some suggested guidelines for helping individuals and groups set positive standards for the use and non use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. They are offered in order to clarify the concepts of appropriate and moderate use, and to help individuals avoid risky situations.

Setting Standards through Example

Setting community standards
Setting standards through example by
- Choosing not to use
- Using moderately, appropriately and legally
Guidelines for setting standards through example:
- Times to abstain.
- Moderate use
- Times when use might be appropriate
- Moderate use
- Avoiding the risk from others' use
- Helping others make choices

There are circumstances when non-use is the only appropriate choice.
- A person should abstain from alcohol if they are:
  - Performing in fine arts or physical activities.

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