Safety First Slides Safety & Choice
Navigating substance use, prevention, and harm reduction with facts and empathy.
Prevention
Harm Reduction
The "Real Talk" Approach
Honesty & Facts
We are here to talk about what actually happens—no "scare tactics" or judgment.
Your Autonomy
You are the expert on your life. We are providing tools so you can make informed decisions.
This is a Brave Space
Beyond "Bad Choices"
Substance use doesn't happen in a vacuum. People use substances for many complex reasons:
Coping
Managing stress, trauma, grief, or physical pain when other resources are unavailable.
Connection
A desire to fit in, bond with peers, or feel a sense of belonging in a social group.
Curiosity
The natural human drive to explore new experiences or alter one's state of mind.
The Risk Landscape
1
Biological
Genetics and brain chemistry can make some people more prone to addiction.
2
Psychological
Underlying mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
3
Social
Environmental stress, family history, and community stability.
The Adolescent Brain
Your brain is "under construction" until age 25. Substances can highjack the reward system while the "brakes" (prefrontal cortex) are still developing.
The Art of the Exit
Refusal skills aren't about being "tough"—they're about having a plan. Try these techniques:
The "Joke"
"No thanks, I'm already weird enough without that."
The "Better Offer"
"I'm actually starving, let's go get tacos instead."
The "Excuse"
"I've got a huge practice tomorrow morning, can't risk it."
The "Direct No"
"Nah, I'm good. Not my thing." (Say it and move on).
What is Harm Reduction?
If people are going to use substances, we want them to be as safe as possible.
Reducing negative consequences
Meeting people "where they are"
Saving lives through education
Critical Tools
Naloxone (Narcan) – Reverses Opioid Overdoses
Fentanyl Test Strips – Checking for contaminants
"Never Use Alone" Hotlines
Looking Out for Others
Recognize the Signs
Drastic mood changes, withdrawal from hobbies, "mystery" physical symptoms, or constant secrecy.
The Conversation
"I've noticed you've been acting different and I'm worried about you. I care about your safety."
Crucial: Never handle a medical emergency alone. If someone is unresponsive, call 911 immediately.
You Are Not Alone
Confidential help is always available.
SAMHSA Helpline
1-800-662-HELP
Confidential / 24/7
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Free Text Support
"Safety isn't just the absence of danger, it's the presence of connection."
Choice Maps Worksheet Choice Maps
Substance Prevention & Safety Planning
Name: ____________________________________
Date: _____________________________________
The "Art of the Exit" Scenarios
Refusal skills are like a muscle—you have to flex them to get stronger. For each scenario below, choose one strategy (The Joke, The Excuse, The Direct No, or The Switch) and write out exactly what you would say.
Scenario A: The After-Party
You're at a friend's house after a game. Someone pulls out a vape and passes it to you, saying, "Try this, it's a new flavor, everyone's doing it."
Your Strategy & Script:
Scenario B: The "Study Aid"
A classmate offers you a pill they claim is Adderall, saying it will help you pull an all-nighter for the final exam tomorrow.
Your Strategy & Script:
Identifying Your "Why"
Refusing is easier when you know what you're protecting. List three things in your life (goals, relationships, hobbies, etc.) that are too important to risk.
1
2
3
The Personal Safety Plan
The "Safe Word" System
If you are in a situation that feels unsafe or uncomfortable, you need an "exit" that doesn't cause drama. Set up a code word (like "X" or "forgot my jacket") with a trusted adult or friend.
My Trusted Person:
My Code Word/Text:
When you send this code, they call you with an "emergency" to come pick you up immediately—no questions asked.
Harm Reduction Check-In
Circle the following actions that represent "Harm Reduction" (making a potentially risky situation safer):
Designated drivers at a party
Hiding use from parents
Carrying Narcan (Naloxone)
Sharing needles or vapes
Staying hydrated and fed
Testing for Fentanyl
Helping a Friend: Reflection
If you noticed a friend was using substances in a way that worried you, how would you approach them? Write one "I statement" you could use to start the conversation.
Remember: You don't have to be their therapist. Your role is to be a friend and help them connect to a professional (counselor, social worker, or doctor).
"The best way to predict your future is to create it." — Safety First Education
Real Talk Teacher Guide Real Talk Guide
Lesson Focus
Substance Use Prevention
Harm Reduction Principles
Refusal & Exit Strategies
Social-Emotional Support
Timing
Slide Deck 25 mins
Choice Maps Activity 20 mins
Debrief/Wrap-up 10 mins
Facilitation Ethos
"The goal is not to lecture, but to equip. High schoolers are highly sensitive to authenticity. If they feel judged or 'scared,' they will disengage. Lead with curiosity and safety."
Key Teaching Points
1
Shift from Moral to Medical
Explain substance use through brain science (reward systems) rather than "good/bad" choices. This reduces stigma and encourages students to seek help.
2
Harm Reduction is Safety
Clarify that harm reduction does not mean condoning use. Use the analogy of seatbelts: we don't plan on crashing, but we wear them just in case.
3
Refusal as Social Skill
Focus on the "Exit Plan." Empower students with low-drama scripts that allow them to leave uncomfortable situations without losing social face.
Handling Disclosure
If a student discloses use:
Thank them for their trust. Remind them of your role and mandatory reporting guidelines if they are in immediate danger or being harmed. Pivot to a private conversation after class.
Creating a "Brave Space":
Establish ground rules: One mic, "What's said here stays here" (unless safety is at risk), and the right to pass on sharing personal experiences.
Activity Facilitation: Choice Maps
Facilitating Scenario Practice
Encourage students to partner up and "whisper read" their scripts. If time allows, have volunteers role-play one of the scenarios for the class.
Scenario A Tips
Common refusal: "The Excuse" (sports/practice) or "The Switch" (getting food). Remind them that vaping is often peer-pressure based; a quick exit is most effective.
Scenario B Tips
This is high stakes. Emphasize "The Direct No." Discuss the dangers of unprescribed pills, especially with the risk of Fentanyl contamination in street-bought "study aids."
Worksheet Answer Key (Section 4)
Designated Drivers
Hiding use (Not HR)
Carrying Narcan
Sharing needles (Not HR)
Hydration/Food
Fentanyl Testing
Essential Discussion Prompts
Question 1:
"Why do you think it's sometimes hard to tell a friend 'no' even if we want to?" (Goal: Discuss the social cost and need for belonging).
