Truth Check Infographic
TRUTH CHECK
Substance Awareness & Digital Smarts
VOL. 01: THE CLOUD
UNMASKING THE VAPOR
The aerosol in e-cigarettes isn't just "water vapor." It's a chemical cocktail designed to hook your brain.
Nicotine Trap
One vape pod can equal the nicotine of 20 cigarettes. It rewires your brain's reward system, making it harder to focus.
Lung Toxins
Aerosol contains formaldehyde and heavy metals like lead that cause permanent lung scarring.
THC & YOUR BRAIN
Reaction
Slows down physical coordination.
Memory
Impairs short-term memory forming.
Mood
Can trigger intense panic attacks.
The Feed Glitch
The "Fun" Illusion
Posts show "vibes" but omit the crash, the addiction, and the health debt.
Algorithm Bias
Feeds flood with curated content, making usage look way higher than it is.
TRUTH CHECK
Substance Awareness & Digital Smarts
VOL. 02: THE IMPACT
Targeted Marketing
Companies use flavors and influencers to make toxins look like a lifestyle accessory.
Alcohol: The Long Game
Brain: Destroys memory-forming tissue and shrinks brain volume.
Heart: Weakens muscle tissue, leading to cardiomyopathy.
Liver: Permanent scarring (cirrhosis) that destroys liver function.
The Lethal Edge
Fake Pills
Many street pills are laced with Fentanyl. Even a tiny amount can be fatal.
Stimulants
Hard drugs put extreme strain on the central nervous system, leading to sudden cardiac issues.
TRUTH CHECK
Substance Awareness & Digital Smarts
VOL. 03: POWER PLAYS
Social Armor
Use these scripts to protect your boundaries.
The No
The Swap
The Exit
01
The Direct No
"Nah, I'm not into that."
02
The Alternative
"Let's go grab a drink/food instead."
03
The Clear Out
"I gotta head out, see ya later."
Truth Check © 2026
Real Talk Discussion Guide
Real Talk
Discussion Guide for Small Groups
Unit: Truth Check
Substance Awareness
Facilitator Notes
- Create a judgment-free zone.
- Help students identify "hidden" pressures in digital spaces.
1
The Cloud & The Feed
Vaping & Social Media
Q: "Everyone vapes." True or False?
How does the algorithm create a false sense of "normal"?
Q: The Flavor Trap
Who is the real target audience for fruit-flavored nicotine?
Discussion Notes
2
The Long Game
Alcohol & Lethal Risks
Q: The Invisible Debt
What long-term health risks are skipped in advertisements?
Q: The Fentanyl Crisis
Why is the "only once" mindset dangerous with modern street drugs?
Discussion Notes
3
Power Plays
Refusal Skills
Q: "The Vibe" Pressure
How do you handle internal pressure to fit in?
Q: True Friends
Does a friend who pushes you respect your boundaries?
Discussion Notes
Final Thought
"Your future self is depending on the choices you make today. What is one takeaway to protect that future?"
Choice Point Worksheet
Choice Point
Substance Awareness Lab
TRUTH CHECK // LVL 01
Operative Name
Date
01 POWER PLAY LAB
Pick a scenario, draft your script
A: Party
"Don't be a buzzkill, have a drink."
B: Vape
"It's nicotine-free. Try it!"
C: Pill
"This helps you focus for the test."
Scenario Selection:
A B C
My Power Play Script (Your exact words):
Strategy Used:
Direct No
The Swap
The Exit
Why this works:
02 THE FEED GLITCH
Post: "#AllTheCoolKids switch to vapor. No smoke, no stress."
Analyze the "Glitch" in this messaging:
03 THE LONG-TERM MAP
How could substance use block these specific goals?
Life Goal #1 (e.g., college, sport, career)
The "Glitch" (Potential impact)
Life Goal #2
The "Glitch"
Life Goal #3
The "Glitch"
Truth Check Pledge
"I will protect my future and my potential by making informed choices, recognizing digital influence, and practicing my power plays."
Signature
Date
Choice Point Worksheet © 2026