Choice Catalyst Slides Counseling Series: Health & Wellness
Choice Catalyst
Navigating Decisions & Substance Prevention
Navigate
Protect
Empower
Roadmap for Today
1 Analyze Impact
Understand how substances affect the developing high school brain and long-term goals.
2 Master Decisions
Apply the DECIDE framework to navigate high-pressure social scenarios effectively.
3 Identify Influences
Recognize how internal beliefs and external media/peers shape our daily choices.
NM State Standard
Standard 5: Students will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health.
Construction Zone
The high school brain is specifically building the Prefrontal Cortex (the CEO of the brain).
Prefrontal Cortex
Handles impulse control and weighing consequences. Not finished until mid-20s.
The Reward System
Substances "hijack" the brain by flooding it with dopamine, creating artificial highs.
"Why risk a brain still under construction?"
The DECIDE Blueprint
A structured framework for high-stakes choices
D
Define
State the problem clearly.
E
Explore
List all your options.
C
Consider
Weigh the consequences.
I
Identify
Check your own values.
D
Decide
Choose and take action.
E
Evaluate
Review what happened.
The Social Pressure Zone
The Situation:
You're at a post-game party. Someone you really respect hands you a vape and says, "Relax, it’s just nicotine. Don't be so tense."
Apply the framework:
What is the actual problem?
What are 3 ways to respond?
What are the potential costs?
Power Moves: Refusal Skills
Direct No
Clear and brief. "No thanks, I'm good."
The Pivot
Offer an alternative. "Nah, let's go get food."
The Excuse
"My coach would bench me if I did that."
Pro Tip: Standing tall and making eye contact is 55% of the message.
Natural Dopamine
Protecting your brain's natural reward system
Movement
Exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress naturally.
Creativity
"Flow states" in art or music provide a sense of mastery.
Connection
Bonds release oxytocin, the "connection" hormone.
Achievement
Small wins build confidence and satisfaction.
Your Choice.
Your Power.
The decisions you make today are the blueprint for your future self. Use your tools. Protect your brain.
90%
of addiction begins in teen years
100%
of your potential is worth protecting
My Decision Blueprint Worksheet My Decision Blueprint
Substance Prevention & Healthy Choice Framework
Student:
Date:
Phase 1: The Internal Foundation
Your decisions are built on your values. Identify what matters most to you right now.
Core Values
List 3 values that guide you (e.g., Family, Sport, Career, Trust, Fitness, Honesty).
Future Goal
What is one specific long-term goal you refuse to jeopardize?
Phase 2: External Influences
In the blueprint of your life, who or what is trying to change the design? Identify one positive and one negative influence.
The Positive Force (Support)
The Pressure Point (Stress/Social)
Phase 3: The DECIDE Framework Practice
Scenario Practice
Apply the framework to one of the scenarios discussed in class or one from your own life.
D
Define the Problem: (What is the actual conflict?)
E
Explore Options: (List at least 3 distinct paths)
C
Consider Consequences: (Pros and Cons of your chosen option)
I
Identify Values: (How does this match your Phase 1 goals?)
D
Decide and Act: (Write exactly what you would say/do)
E
Evaluate: (Why is this the best long-term choice?)
Phase 4: Healthy Alternatives
Identify two healthy catalysts you will use to manage stress or celebrate instead of substances.
Catalyst 1:
Catalyst 2:
Prevention Pro Guide Teacher Resource
Prevention Pro Guide
Instructional Facilitation for the Choice Catalyst Series
Target Grades 9–12 Duration 50–60 Min
Standards Alignment (NM Health)
Standard 1: Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health (Neurobiology of addiction).
Standard 2: Analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.
Standard 5: Demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health (DECIDE framework focus).
Essential Question
How can a structured framework protect personal agency in high-pressure situations?
Materials Needed
• Choice Catalyst Slides
• My Decision Blueprint Worksheet
• Power Move Scenario Cards
• Exit Tickets
Instructional Flow
Phase Activity & Slide Ref Time The Hook Brain Construction Check: Slides 1–3. Discussion: Why does the "CEO" of the brain matter?10 min Instruction The Framework: Slide 4. Direct instruction on the DECIDE model steps.10 min Guided Practice Power Moves Role-Play: Slides 5–6. Use the Power Move Scenario Cards for small group practice.15 min Independent Blueprint Mapping: Complete the My Decision Blueprint Worksheet individually.15 min Synthesis Healthy Highs & Exit: Slides 7–8. Closing reflection and Exit Ticket collection.10 min
Critical Discussion Prompts
Slide 3 (The Brain)
"If your prefrontal cortex is still developing, who is currently making your toughest decisions—your 'CEO' or your emotions?"
Slide 5 (The Scenario)
"What is the underlying pressure in this scenario? Is it the nicotine itself, or the feeling of being an outsider?"
Slide 7 (Healthy Highs)
"Think of a time you felt a 'natural high' after a sports game or a performance. How did that feeling compare to a temporary dopamine hit?"
Impact Check Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
Impact Check
Name: ______________________
Date: ________
1. The "CEO" takeaway:
What is one thing you learned about how substances affect the developing brain?
2. Your Power Move:
Write one refusal phrase you would actually use in a social situation.
3. Framework Confidence:
How confident do you feel using the DECIDE blueprint?
Low 1 2 3 4 High 5
Choice Catalyst Prevention Series
Exit Ticket
Impact Check
Name: ______________________
Date: ________
1. The "CEO" takeaway:
What is one thing you learned about how substances affect the developing brain?
2. Your Power Move:
Write one refusal phrase you would actually use in a social situation.
3. Framework Confidence:
How confident do you feel using the DECIDE blueprint?
Low 1 2 3 4 High 5
Choice Catalyst Prevention Series
Exit Ticket
Impact Check
Name: ______________________
Date: ________
1. The "CEO" takeaway:
What is one thing you learned about how substances affect the developing brain?
2. Your Power Move:
Write one refusal phrase you would actually use in a social situation.
3. Framework Confidence:
How confident do you feel using the DECIDE blueprint?
Low 1 2 3 4 High 5
Choice Catalyst Prevention Series
Exit Ticket
Impact Check
Name: ______________________
Date: ________
1. The "CEO" takeaway:
What is one thing you learned about how substances affect the developing brain?
2. Your Power Move:
Write one refusal phrase you would actually use in a social situation.
3. Framework Confidence:
How confident do you feel using the DECIDE blueprint?
Low 1 2 3 4 High 5
Choice Catalyst Prevention Series
Power Move Scenario Cards Power Move Cards
Use these cards for small group role-play. For each scenario, one student is the "Pressure Force" and the other is the "Decision Maker." Practice using your Refusal Skills (Direct No, Pivot, or Excuse).
Scenario 01
The "Study Aid"
You're in the library cramming for a history final. Your friend pulls out a pill and says, "Take half of this. It's my brother's prescription—it helps him focus for hours. You'll ace the test."
Refusal Goal:
Decline without losing the friend, but stay firm on your health.
Scenario 02
The Vape Circle
You're behind the gym after a game. Everyone is passing around a new vape flavor. The person you've been wanting to impress hands it to you and says, "Try it, it tastes like mango. It's basically just flavored air."
Refusal Goal:
Use the "Pivot" technique to change the subject or activity.
Scenario 03
The "One Drink" Ride
You're about to leave a party. Your ride (who is older) has had a few beers and says, "I'm totally fine to drive, I've done it a hundred times. Here, have a sip of this first, we have a 20-minute drive."
Refusal Goal:
Use the "Excuse" (Blame a parent/coach) and prioritize safety.
Scenario 04
The Dating Dilemma
You're on a third date with someone you really like. They pull out some edibles and say, "Let's try these. It'll make the movie way more fun, and we'll be on the same level."
Refusal Goal:
Be "Direct No" and explain your personal boundary clearly.
