# data[].attributes.body
Learning the effects of the various drugs on the brain was interesting, but playing the Mouse Party was the most fun way to learn!

# data[].attributes.body
Today's session allowed for a greater understanding of the effects of drugs on the brain. The interactive exercise would be excellent for the students,

The session also helped to gain an appreciation for the similarities of the drug situation in the various other Caribbean countries and the need to have an active Caribbean network of persons who are involved in prevention.

# data[].attributes.headline
Today I really enjoyed the presentation from each country. Understanding how dynamic each country situation is and also noting the similarities. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Today I really enjoyed the presentation from each country. Understanding how dynamic each country situation is and also noting the similarities. 

# data[].attributes.body
Group 1 short discussion on Alcohol was very informative as the resposes came from participants of different countries.

# data[].attributes.body
"Drug abusers in the workforce impose significant extra cost on the business sector, thus reducing its competitiveness."

These words were profound in reiterating how important "prevention is better than cure" is and more so less taxing on the economy.

# data[].attributes.body
Today was my first session and I found that it was very interactive. I am thankful for the information and tools that were shared.

# data[].attributes.body
I was aware of the general effects of drugs but having the various categories (e.g. financial, physical etc.) and seeing the individual effects of each drug made the size of the problem stand out.

The manner in which my team worked together was very encouraging. Kudos to today's team members!

# data[].attributes.body
"...science alone is not enough, it needs to be used, not just studied, if it is to accomplish its purpose."

This was in interesting perspective of truth, that when we have evidence and information that it should be the foundation of our decision-making process.

# data[].attributes.body
I joined the session late today but, got an apportunity with group 2 to read and discuss Developmental Nature of Substance Abuse. This is one of the most critical themes or should I say the foundation as it relates to developing prevention stratgies/programs/ techniques. I would really appreciate if we can have a discussion on how interaction of internal, biological factors, external, environmental and social factors may influence substance use and abuse. Also understanding the negative effects the disruption of normal development can cause as it pertains to substance use.

# data[].attributes.body
Today's session looked at the various effects of specific groups of drugs and the point of not all substances fitting neatly into a category. This highlighted the fact that there are some substances that one cannot predict how it will affect the body.

In addition the progression of the use was discussed and showed that persons may be addicted or dependent without their significant others realizing.

# data[].attributes.body
As the groups go through the Etiology Model and explain with  examples of the various ways personal and environmental factors influences the use and abuse of drugs; it allowed me a better understanding as a Public Health Professional the importance of needs assessments to understanding and formulate prevention interventions for substance abuse. With the available evidence-based information emerging with best practices, understanding etiology and needs of individuals, families and communities makes for more effective interventions.

# data[].attributes.body
This session had us looking at aspects of the critical themes in the Universal Prevention Curriculum. These themes focus on the process and progression of use to abuse.

# data[].attributes.body
Today I enjoyed the learning tools used especially the crossword puzzle . It was a refreshing method to emphasize the terminology used in Module 4.

# data[].attributes.body
This session looked at the components of the prevention science; epidemiology and the research methodology.

The session (and previous sessions) today made me look at my country's situation of decriminalizing the use of small amounts of marijuana and the possible "can of worms" that this may be opening.

The decriminalization in the minds of the students, means that the smoking or ingesting of the drug is acceptable and not harmful. Having now to tell them that this is not so makes the job more difficult.

# data[].attributes.body
Prevention - Epidemiology - Substance use
The group looked at the various statistical studies in epidemiology and how the finding contributes to the decision-making of which interventions are needed. There was a lot to learn and it was very informative and interactive with the crossword puzzle.

# data[].attributes.body
Importance of Prevention Science
Prevention science is important to the practitioner because societal factors are constantly changing and have an evidence based mechanism would ensure that our programs would always be relevant and effective.

# data[].attributes.body
Today's session looked a the stages of intervention design and development and highlighted the amount of work and effort that go into planning prevention interventions.
It also showed that the process is systematic, strategic, scientifically based.

# data[].attributes.body
In this session we looked at the risk factors and protective factors of children throughout the life stages; as well as the family, school, peer and community influences. This showed that the individual does not live in a vacuum and there are many systems that react upon the individual and influence behaviour.

# data[].attributes.body
Three major components to prevention science we discussed Epidemiology and Etiology; Intervention Development; and Research methodology.
The most intriguing for me as a professional was the intervention development that  focuses on designing interventions that breaks the risk of the vulnerable populations through promotion of positive behavior and change of environment to reduce the negative behaviors and influences of the environment.
One theme that was recurring was the importance of monitoring and evaluation for decision-making and determining the best intervention as per the needs of the population.

# data[].attributes.body
Human Development: Early Childhood to Adolescence.
Looking at the various characteristics of the children and adolescences by age group as they developed allowed us to identify the protective factors and the risk factors based on the characteristics. This allowed an idea of what type of interventions can be taken that would be effective.

# data[].attributes.body
My group was able to discuss positive and negative family influences on early childhood and adolescence. This discussion was very interesting as group members shared lived experiences within their communities.

# data[].attributes.body
I enjoyed the interaction in class today. Most importantly the discussion on the effects of drugs on the brain and having to share with other colleagues from neighboring Islands; being able to identify with similar challenges faced as it relates to drug use

# data[].attributes.body
Today's session was very informative. I engaged in discussion on the consequences of psychoactive substances for women.It was very interesting listening to the contribution from women in the group who contributed base on knowledge and experience working with clients.
what resonated with me was how substance use in women affects their children;this is one of the common cases that I encounter in my profession.

# data[].attributes.body
Very informative session today!
During the session, the discussions were based on the domino effect of psychoactive substances; there are implications on all aspects of the user's life.
My focus was drawn to the point where Restorative treatment was paramount for implementers.

# data[].attributes.body
Today's session showed the importance in the concepts of motivation, needs, social learning and the need for self efficacy to Prevention and the designing of Prevention Intervention.

We also looked at Planned Behaviour and the manner in which it helps to motivate someone into action. The video gave a clear explanation of this theory.

# data[].attributes.body
This session enlightened me on the barriers as a prevention practitioner that I can encounter. It highlighted that prevention program implementation is a delicate balancing act with evidence and norms and cultures that are ingrained in society.

# data[].attributes.body
This session highlighted the point that like all other change interventions barriers exist and that in order to have a sustained intervention, it is very important to consider the barriers and the reasons for these barriers.
When dealing with individuals the need to understand the aspects of their lives that influence them and the advantages or disadvantages of these influences is important when trying to enact change.

# data[].attributes.body
Yesterday's session looked at the developmental stages of the individual from infancy to adulthood; key resilience factors, prevention interventions, how the interventions could help and anecdotal evidence of success.

The testimonies gave this exercise "real" in that person who worked with the various populations were able to share their experiences. Knowing the successes of other makes one feel that this is doable and motivates one to continue working.

# data[].attributes.body
Today I had a great time working with my group to put on a roleplay highlighting how evidence based drug treatment programs work in the late adolescence into adulthood age group. I think the facilitators are doing a great job breaking the monotony that virtual trainings suffer from.

# data[].attributes.body
Ending Module 6 i learned the effectiveness of various intervention according to the UNODC standards . This modules have cleared up many misconceptions about certain interventions and their effectiveness. Learning continues to be exciting through this course .

# data[].attributes.body
This session examined the International Standards on Drug Use Prevention through an interactive game.
This module allowed me to gain idea on where I can start with my prevention intervention with my students-- i.e. as early as elementary school.

# data[].attributes.body
Reviewing the participating countries barriers to implementing EB interventions highlighted an interesting fact, that most LAC suffer the same barriers. One such was the balance of religion and creating interventions for communities with the perceptions that some substances are not harmful. It lends to the need for a regional commitment to battle these barriers.

# data[].attributes.body
Playing the Kahoot game on what are the Effective interventions based on the International Standards on Drugs, it was fun. Tiana and Lei shared a media campaign video from Mexico that was effective because of the graphics and the message. Though not perfect it was an example of how tailored messages can reach the targeted population even when there is a language barrier.

# data[].attributes.body
We are looking at the implementation cycle for prevention interventions, and as we work in the country-based groups its is allows participants to share knowledge and develop a stronger network. This in my opinion is a valuable takeaway.

# data[].attributes.body
Today's session looked a the steps in Prevention Implementation and gave a great guide to the manner in which prevention intervention is carried out.
These steps will also aid in other interventions and programmes that I carry out in the schools and the manner in which I justify the programmes chosen. This was a very informative and practical session.

# data[].attributes.body
Today looked at types of data and programmes on the Blueprint site that could be used for dealing with various issues. This was a very informative and useful site which will prove quite helpful in giving ideas and options on interventions to use in the schools.

# data[].attributes.body
This session looked at implementation and the steps to implementing a prevention programme.
This week has allowed me to gain a better perspective on how to go about programme planning that would make my programmes more effective.

# data[].attributes.body
It has been a challenge for me during the last sessions, however I was able to go over the modules. While going through the notes I was able to reflect on many aspects of my job where the information from each of the modules is vital.

As I went through the material I was able to identify ways in which I can use this knowledge at my institution. I very interested in the steps of implementing a prevention program. Implementing a prevention program is paramount in the rehabilitation of the at risk youth where I work.

# data[].attributes.body
This session looked at the knowledge, skills, competences needed in prevention; in addition a self assessment was also done. Two things that stood out for me are:
1. When working with clients it is important to set boundaries and not socialise with the client. In this small island this is even more important as one is very likely to be in a gathering where clients may be, know family members who are related to the client or have some link with a client.
2. The Counselling profession provides one with the skills and competences necessary to Prevention.

# data[].attributes.body
This session looked at how to practically go about establishing a prevention programme and the various aspects one needed to take into consideration.
This breakdown of the process into little steps makes the idea of establishing programmes in the schools less daunting. It provides perspective and direction.

# data[].attributes.body
While we looked at the generic framework for the planning and implementation of interventions, the group noted today that there can be variances. For example to determine the budget for an interventions we may need to determine first what materials and resources are needed. For others who are given a funding at inception, this would not be a first priority activity.
While this is understandable justifications should be documented and and the project management steps maintain for integrity.

# data[].attributes.body
The session today highlighted the skills and competencies needed as Prevention Professionals. The major take away for me was the need to be more open-minded and non-judgmental in attitude. This is especially important as we merge science with persons perspectives. As a healthcare professional much of what is done stems from empirical data, this should not mean that in executing activities that there is not allowance for adaptation to get the positive outcomes as needed.

# data[].attributes.body
This session continued to look at the practical steps of intervention. The importance of a team in planning and in the administering of the  prevention programme was highlighted for me.
In addition, when enacting change, the need for buy-in into the programme of the various systems with whom the target population interacts e.g. when dealing with students, parents and the school staff have to be on board.

# data[].attributes.body
This session looked at Ethics: Internal and external; and the Ethical decision making process. When operating in certain professions, you represent the professional field and so unethical actions can cause harm not only to your clients but to the profession. It is therefore necessary to follow ethical guidelines.

# data[].attributes.body
Today's session looked at case students which had various ethical dilemmas. It highlighted that dealing with these dilemmas is also a strategic process and should be handled professionally.
Ethics also protect the prevention personnel and their organisations as they provide the basic rules in relation to prevention and guide professional behaviour.

# data[].attributes.body
Today we looked at Monitoring and evaluation and the skillset needed to efficiently build the system. It is noted that many islands battle with the similar issues of poor data quality and transparency which hinder reliable information.

# data[].attributes.body
Reviewing case studies as a means of identifying the code of ethics principles was fun. The overall take away today were:
What principle applies
Integrity

Fidelity

Honesty

Competence

# data[].attributes.body
Today was participants to present their selected intervention as a team. Wonderful display of knowledge and ideas. It shows that as a united team much can get done with shared ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
This session saw the various countries presenting their prevention plan. Listening to these presentations highlighted the similarities among the countries e.g the perceptions that persons have as alcohol being a right of passage.

# data[].attributes.body
An interesting point was brought up today, that when we are formulating Drug Prevention/Awareness teams, having the Police Officers as representatives on these teams may require careful consideration. The consideration is due to young people perception of law enforcement or "Babylon" being against the people or are "just the same as criminals". We need to analyze carefully who joins the team and what is their social standing as to provide positive role models and improve the perception of law enforcement officials.

# data[].attributes.body
This course showed the amount of work and preparation which goes into a prevention programme and the need for buy-in and choosing the specific programme for the targeted population. In order for change to occur the targeted population needs to see a reason for the change and thus the importance of understanding what motivates them. Trying to bring about change when you do not understand the problem, the population; or if the target group does not think there is a problem, is futile.

Today's discussion looked at the persons who are part of the prevention team and the advantages and disadvantages of the members. It highlighted the need to know the targeted population and their culture.