Navigating Choices Slides
NAVIGATING CHOICES
Substance Use, Brain Health, and Harm Reduction for the Modern World
Secondary Health & Wellness 45 Minutes
Today's Map
01
The Brain Under Construction
How substances interact with a developing nervous system.
02
The Spectrum of Use
Understanding use, misuse, and addiction.
03
Myth-Busting
Fact-checking common beliefs about common substances.
04
Harm Reduction
Practical strategies for staying safer.
05
Decision-Making
The PAUSE framework for navigating social pressure.
The Brain Under Construction
The Gas Pedal (Limbic System)
Focuses on rewards, emotions, and instant gratification. Fully active in teens!
The Brakes (Prefrontal Cortex)
Handles impulse control, logic, and long-term planning. Not fully developed until mid-20s!
"Substances can rewire the reward system before the 'brakes' are fully installed."
REWIRING IN PROGRESS
Critical Window: Ages 12-25
Common Substances
Alcohol
A depressant that slows down the CNS. Affects memory and decision-making.
Cannabis
THC interacts with brain development; impact varies by dose and frequency.
Vaping/Nicotine
Highly addictive; irritates lungs and can impact focus/attention.
Opioids
Painkillers (prescribed or toxic supply). High risk of overdose; CNS depression.
The Spectrum of Use
Non-Use
Choosing not to use substances. The lowest risk choice for brain health.
Lower-Risk Use
Occasional use following safety guidelines (e.g., small amounts, safe space).
Misuse / Harmful Use
Use that starts to affect school, relationships, or physical health.
Substance Use Disorder
Compulsive use despite negative consequences. A chronic health condition.
"People move back and forth along this spectrum. It's not a one-way street."
What is Harm Reduction?
It’s about meeting people where they are at, without judgment.
- Accepts that substance use is a part of our world.
- Focuses on reducing negative consequences (safety first).
- Respects the dignity and autonomy of the individual.
Real-World Examples:
- • Wearing a seatbelt in a car.
- • Sunscreen at the beach.
- • Designated drivers for alcohol.
- • Naloxone kits for opioid safety.
The P.A.U.S.E. Framework
P
PREDICT
What is the likely outcome of this choice?
A
ASSESS
What are my personal values and limits?
U
UNDERSTAND
Who is influencing me? Why do I feel pressure?
S
SELECT
Choose the path that keeps me and others safest.
E
EVALUATE
How did it go? What would I do next time?
Supporting a Friend
What to look for:
Withdrawal from hobbies or friends.
Drop in grades or skipping school.
Sudden mood swings or secrecy.
How to help:
1. Start the convo: "I've noticed you've been different lately. I'm worried about you."
2. Listen more than talk: Don't lecture. Just be there.
3. Involve an adult: If they are in danger, you can't keep it a secret. Tell a teacher or counselor.
You Are Not Alone
Kids Help Phone
Text CONNECT to 686868
24/7 • Free • Anonymous
Emergency Support
Call 9-1-1 for overdoses
Good Samaritan Act protects you.
Local School Counselor: Office 102
Check the handout for local community health centers.
Choice Compass Worksheet
CHOICE COMPASS
Navigating Substance Use & Decision-Making
Name:
Date:
Myth vs. Fact
Check whether you think the following statements are Myths or Facts. We will discuss these as a group.
1. "Vaping is just flavored water vapor and is harmless."
MYTH
FACT
2. "The teen brain is more sensitive to addiction than the adult brain."
MYTH
FACT
3. "You can't overdose on cannabis."
MYTH
FACT
4. "Most high school students do not use substances regularly."
MYTH
FACT
Putting PAUSE Into Practice
Scenario: You're at a party and someone offers you a vape or a drink. You weren't planning on using anything tonight. How do you handle it?
P - Predict Outcome?
A - Assess Values/Limits?
U - Understand Pressure?
S - Select Choice?
My Safety Net
Support People
Adults I can talk to without judgment (Teacher, coach, relative):
Critical Resources
Navigating Choices: A Harm-Reduction Focused Approach | Always reach out if you need help.
Navigating Choices Teacher Guide
TEACHER GUIDE
Navigating Choices
Duration: 45 Minutes
Grades: 9-12
Lesson Overview
This lesson uses a non-judgmental, evidence-informed approach to discuss substance use. It focuses on the physiological impacts of substances on the developing brain while empowering students with practical harm reduction strategies and a decision-making framework.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the impact of substances on the prefrontal cortex vs. limbic system.
- Differentiate between the points on the spectrum of use.
- Apply the PAUSE framework to social scenarios.
- Identify local and national support resources.
Materials Needed
- Navigating Choices Slide Deck
- Choice Compass Worksheet (1 per student)
- Projector & Audio
Pacing & Facilitation
0-5 min
Introduction & Group Agreement
Slides 1-2
Set a safe tone. Emphasize that this is a "no-shame zone." Establish ground rules: respect privacy (no names of peers), right to pass, and non-judgmental listening.
5-15 min
The Brain & Substances
Slides 3-4
Explain the "tug-of-war" between the Limbic System (Gas) and Prefrontal Cortex (Brakes). Key point: The brain is plastic until 25, making it both highly adaptable and highly vulnerable.
15-25 min
Spectrum of Use & Myth-Busting
Slides 5-6 + Worksheet Section 1
Have students complete Section 1 of the worksheet. Discuss answers. Myth 4 Note: Normalizing non-use is crucial. Many students overestimate how much their peers are using (social norms theory).
25-35 min
PAUSE & Harm Reduction
Slide 7 + Worksheet Section 2
Walk through the PAUSE framework. Ask for a volunteer to share how "Predict" helps slow down the decision. Emphasize that "Select" might mean choosing a safer behavior, not just total abstinence (though non-use is safest).
35-45 min
Supporting Friends & Resources
Slides 8-9 + Worksheet Section 3
Discuss the "Safety Net." Ensure students write down the Kids Help Phone info. Remind them of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act: they won't get in legal trouble for calling 9-1-1 at the scene of an overdose.
Worksheet Answer Key (Myth/Fact)
MYTH
1. "Vaping is just flavored water vapor and is harmless."
Vapes contain nicotine (highly addictive), flavoring chemicals (can cause lung irritation), and heavy metals from the heating coil.