Substance Awareness

Students identify social pressures and marketing tactics, practicing assertive refusal strategies to navigate real-world situations involving vaping.

Students explore the neurobiology of nicotine addiction, learning how it 'hijacks' the brain's reward system and affects adolescent development.

Students investigate the truth behind common vaping myths and explore the long-term health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

This lesson focuses on building practical refusal skills and strengthening the 'Shield Squad' (support systems). Students learn specific strategies to navigate high-pressure social contexts while acknowledging their inner feelings.

This lesson helps students identify the 'Inner State' (emotions, curiosity, stress) and 'Social Context' (peers, media, environment) that can lead to substance use. Students will develop awareness of these influences to make healthier choices.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A 40-minute health lesson for 9th graders focusing on identifying emotional triggers, the impact of substances on emotional regulation, and mastering healthy coping strategies for stress and anger.

A reflective lesson designed for students to evaluate the health risks of vaping and the social pressures that lead to it, focusing on long-term consequences and personal agency.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A 30-minute lesson for 6th graders on identifying and resisting negative peer pressure through refusal strategies and personal 'out' plans.

A comprehensive SEL lesson for high school students focusing on substance abuse prevention through an honest, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive lens, emphasizing decision-making and real-world refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

A student-centered, evidence-based lesson on substance use prevention and harm reduction for high schoolers. Focuses on risk factors, refusal skills, and realistic safety strategies using a non-judgmental social work lens.

A focused intervention lesson for a student recently suspended for vaping, covering the biological and mental health impacts of nicotine and aerosol exposure.

This lesson educates students on the chemical makeup of vapes and focuses heavily on the legal and school-based consequences of selling vapes to others.

This lesson explores the immediate and long-term health risks associated with vaping THC, focusing on the physiological impact on the respiratory and nervous systems. Students will analyze the chemical components of vape aerosols and evaluate the potential consequences for their health and future.

A comprehensive lesson exploring substance and behavioral addictions, focusing on their social and emotional impacts on individuals and their communities.

A lesson designed to equip middle school students with the knowledge to identify vaping risks and the practical skills to resist peer pressure.

Synthesizing learning through reflection and the creation of a personal commitment plan.

Expanding the toolkit to include journaling, physical movement, and creative outlets.

This lesson focuses on building practical refusal skills and strengthening the 'Shield Squad' (support systems). Students learn specific strategies to navigate high-pressure social contexts while acknowledging their inner feelings.

This lesson helps students identify the 'Inner State' (emotions, curiosity, stress) and 'Social Context' (peers, media, environment) that can lead to substance use. Students will develop awareness of these influences to make healthier choices.

An interactive, game-based lesson focusing on the short-term and long-term dangers of underage drinking, refusal skills, and common myths. Students 'level up' their health knowledge through scenario-based challenges.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A 40-minute health lesson for 9th graders focusing on identifying emotional triggers, the impact of substances on emotional regulation, and mastering healthy coping strategies for stress and anger.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A comprehensive SEL lesson for high school students focusing on substance abuse prevention through an honest, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive lens, emphasizing decision-making and real-world refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the biological journey of alcohol through the human body, the factors influencing Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), and the scientific methods used for testing. Students will analyze how alcohol disrupts various body systems and the physiological consequences of intoxication.

Students analyze the difference between adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies for stress, focusing on the long-term impacts of substances versus the benefits of physical activity.

A parent workshop focused on identifying digital tools and community resources to improve family physical and mental health. Participants will explore wellness apps and set concrete goals for their families.

Students analyze the biological impact of substances on the central nervous system, contrasting immediate sensations with long-term physiological damage and identifying healthy coping mechanisms.

Students will identify how the central nervous system responds to stress and how drugs like alcohol, stimulants, and opioids interfere with natural biological processes and homeostasis. The lesson culminates in a collaborative medical report activity analyzing stimulant-induced physiological changes.

This lesson explores the biological reality of how drugs and alcohol interfere with the body's natural stress response, providing students with scientific evidence to debunk common myths and offering healthy, long-term coping strategies.

A high school health lesson focusing on the intersection of substance use and sexual health decision-making, utilizing a Socratic Seminar and safety planning to help students navigate peer pressure and risk reduction.

This lesson explores the physiological effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and equips students with practical refusal strategies for peer pressure through a lab-themed investigation.

Synthesis of learning into an advocacy project or personal manifesto for natural chemical regulation.

Students identify personalized, low-barrier physical activities that serve as emotional anchors.

Exploration of how aerobic activity metabolizes stress hormones and acts as a biological reset button.

Analysis of the 'rebound effect' through case studies to understand how substances increase emotional vulnerability.

The unit final where students apply their analytical skills to a "mystery specimen" and provide a research-backed verdict for a teen athlete.

A fast-paced introduction where students explore the unregulated world of fitness supplements and use a "red flag" checklist to hunt for industry truths on digital specimens.

This lesson covers the physiological effects of caffeine on the body and provides clear, evidence-based guidelines for safe consumption across different age groups based on FDA and NIH standards.

A comprehensive 10th-grade health lesson exploring the physiological effects of sports and energy drinks. Students analyze ingredients, caffeine, and sugar content to make informed decisions about performance fueling and health.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

Students analyze the difference between adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies for stress, focusing on the long-term impacts of substances versus the benefits of physical activity.

Students analyze the biological impact of substances on the central nervous system, contrasting immediate sensations with long-term physiological damage and identifying healthy coping mechanisms.

Students will identify how the central nervous system responds to stress and how drugs like alcohol, stimulants, and opioids interfere with natural biological processes and homeostasis. The lesson culminates in a collaborative medical report activity analyzing stimulant-induced physiological changes.

This lesson explores the biological reality of how drugs and alcohol interfere with the body's natural stress response, providing students with scientific evidence to debunk common myths and offering healthy, long-term coping strategies.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the science of energy drinks, their health impacts, and how to make better beverage choices through scenario analysis and data comparison.

Students conclude that medicine is only for fixing specific problems. They affirm that a healthy body functions best without unnecessary chemicals.

Students identify medicines used for big injuries (opioids) and how they block pain signals. The lesson emphasizes that these are very strong and can make people sick if not needed.

The class explores medicines (depressants) that make the body slow down, feel sleepy, or calm. They learn the dangers of the body slowing down too much, like forgetting to breathe.

The sequence concludes with a focus on the developing brain and how misuse can 'rewire' pathways. Students create a diagram showing a healthy brain versus one affected by substance misuse.

Students learn about medicines (stimulants) that make the brain and heart work faster. They discuss why a doctor might give this for focus but why it is bad for a healthy heart.

Students establish a baseline of healthy body functions, comparing 'fast' and 'slow' states using their heart rate and breathing.

Students learn that some medicines block pain signals (opioids) but have serious side effects like extreme drowsiness and addiction. The lesson clarifies that these are powerful tools for doctors, not for casual use.

Students investigate how depressants slow down brain messages and breathing. Through slow-motion activities, they understand the danger of the body forgetting to breathe or the heart beating too slowly.

Students synthesize their learning by creating a comprehensive "Body Map" poster. They label the organs affected by different prescription drug classes and describe the specific physiological threats as a summative assessment.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A high school social work lesson focused on substance use prevention and harm reduction. This lesson provides evidence-based information on risk factors and brain science, teaches practical refusal skills, and introduces harm reduction strategies through a non-judgmental, student-centered lens.

A student-centered, evidence-based lesson on substance use prevention and harm reduction for high schoolers. Focuses on risk factors, refusal skills, and realistic safety strategies using a non-judgmental social work lens.

Students analyze the biological impact of substances on the central nervous system, contrasting immediate sensations with long-term physiological damage and identifying healthy coping mechanisms.

Students will identify how the central nervous system responds to stress and how drugs like alcohol, stimulants, and opioids interfere with natural biological processes and homeostasis. The lesson culminates in a collaborative medical report activity analyzing stimulant-induced physiological changes.

This lesson explores the biological reality of how drugs and alcohol interfere with the body's natural stress response, providing students with scientific evidence to debunk common myths and offering healthy, long-term coping strategies.

A comprehensive lesson on identifying protective factors against substance misuse and mastering harm reduction and emergency response protocols.

Students synthesize their research into a personalized or family Emergency Card, formatting it for both digital and physical use.

Students learn to distinguish between accredited crisis services and predatory marketing or scams through media literacy and critical thinking.

Students investigate hotlines for substance use and harm reduction, distinguishing between medical emergencies and treatment referrals.

Focusing on safety and discretion, this lesson covers domestic violence hotlines and the unique digital safety features they employ.

Students survey the difference between national networks and local community crisis centers, learning to identify the scope of services and verifying availability.

In this culminating workshop, students synthesize the week's learning to build a digital or physical 'Crisis Wallet.' They curate a list of verified numbers and apps, categorized by need, to keep on their phones for themselves or friends.

This lesson covers resources for substance use crises, including SAMHSA’s helpline and poison control. Students discuss the medical amnesty laws that encourage calling for help during overdose situations without fear of legal repercussions.

Students learn about the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the unique safety protocols required for these calls, such as digital footprint erasing. The lesson emphasizes discretion and safety planning over immediate confrontation.

Focusing specifically on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, this lesson analyzes scenarios of suicidal ideation. Students learn what to expect during these specific calls and how to support a peer in making the connection.

Students categorize different types of emergencies to understand when to call 911, 988, or specialized warm lines. The lesson focuses on the distinction between immediate rescue requirements and crisis counseling support.

Students conclude that medicine is only for fixing specific problems. They affirm that a healthy body functions best without unnecessary chemicals.

Students identify medicines used for big injuries (opioids) and how they block pain signals. The lesson emphasizes that these are very strong and can make people sick if not needed.

The class explores medicines (depressants) that make the body slow down, feel sleepy, or calm. They learn the dangers of the body slowing down too much, like forgetting to breathe.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

A student-centered, evidence-based lesson on substance use prevention and harm reduction for high schoolers. Focuses on risk factors, refusal skills, and realistic safety strategies using a non-judgmental social work lens.

A substance intervention lesson designed for high school students to explore the relationship between THC use and personal motivation, utilizing Motivational Interviewing techniques to encourage use reduction.

This lesson explores how vaping THC affects decision-making and impulse control, leading to a discussion on maintaining physical boundaries and resolving conflicts without threats or violence.

This lesson explores the immediate and long-term health risks associated with vaping THC, focusing on the physiological impact on the respiratory and nervous systems. Students will analyze the chemical components of vape aerosols and evaluate the potential consequences for their health and future.

A high school health lesson designed to de-stigmatize psychosis by exploring its medical, psychiatric, and substance-induced causes. Students contrast common stereotypes with clinical definitions and identify the biological nature of these symptoms.

Explores the social and environmental consequences of substance use in school and guides students through a restorative reflection process for re-entry.

Focuses on the physiological and neurological impact of nicotine, vapes, and THC on the developing teenage brain and body.

In the final lesson, students define their personal values and goals (athletics, academics, arts) and map how cannabis use could interfere with them. They create a 'Personal Stance' statement or video capsule to their future selves, solidifying their commitment to their own health and autonomy.

Students analyze complex scenarios involving parties, rides with impaired drivers, or older siblings. They develop 'if-then' plans for getting out of unsafe situations, including code words with parents or identifying safe adults to call. The focus is on harm reduction and physical safety.

Through structured role-play, students practice specific refusal techniques: the 'broken record,' offering an alternative, using an excuse, and using humor. They work in small groups to script and rehearse responses that feel natural and authentic to their personalities, avoiding robotic 'Just Say No' responses.

Students review anonymous survey data (local or national) to correct the 'Everyone is doing it' misconception. They create visual representations of the data to see that the majority of 8th graders actually do not use cannabis. This normative education reduces the internal pressure to conform.

Students synthesize their research into advocacy materials (brochures, cards) and practice interpersonal skills for suggesting support to a friend.

Inquiry-based lesson where students research local and national substance abuse support resources, verifying contact details and services provided.

Students analyze the social and emotional barriers that prevent teens from seeking help for substance use, focusing on de-stigmatizing mental health support.

Students explore the psychological and physical cycle of dependency, including the roles of tolerance and withdrawal. They map the brain's reward system and how it adapts to substance use.

Students define and distinguish between experimental use, regular use, and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). They review simplified DSM-5 criteria for addiction, focusing on loss of control and negative impacts.

A culminating activity where students navigate realistic social simulations, applying their refusal and exit skills in real-time with peer feedback.

The unit final where students apply their analytical skills to a "mystery specimen" and provide a research-backed verdict for a teen athlete.

A fast-paced introduction where students explore the unregulated world of fitness supplements and use a "red flag" checklist to hunt for industry truths on digital specimens.

This lesson focuses on building practical refusal skills and strengthening the 'Shield Squad' (support systems). Students learn specific strategies to navigate high-pressure social contexts while acknowledging their inner feelings.

This lesson helps students identify the 'Inner State' (emotions, curiosity, stress) and 'Social Context' (peers, media, environment) that can lead to substance use. Students will develop awareness of these influences to make healthier choices.

This lesson helps 6th grade students understand ADHD medication management, specifically focusing on how Methylphenidate (stimulants) and Guanfacine (non-stimulants) work individually and together to support focus, emotional regulation, and school success.

A comprehensive SEL lesson for high school students focusing on substance abuse prevention through an honest, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive lens, emphasizing decision-making and real-world refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

A high school social work lesson focused on substance use prevention and harm reduction. This lesson provides evidence-based information on risk factors and brain science, teaches practical refusal skills, and introduces harm reduction strategies through a non-judgmental, student-centered lens.

A student-centered, evidence-based lesson on substance use prevention and harm reduction for high schoolers. Focuses on risk factors, refusal skills, and realistic safety strategies using a non-judgmental social work lens.

A high school health lesson focusing on the biological shift in brain control during addiction, using the 'Brain Train' metaphor to distinguish between the cortex and subcortex. Students engage with the Stroop Test to experience cognitive conflict before mapping how drugs hijack neural pathways.

Students analyze the biological impact of substances on the central nervous system, contrasting immediate sensations with long-term physiological damage and identifying healthy coping mechanisms.

Students will identify how the central nervous system responds to stress and how drugs like alcohol, stimulants, and opioids interfere with natural biological processes and homeostasis. The lesson culminates in a collaborative medical report activity analyzing stimulant-induced physiological changes.

A comprehensive lesson on identifying protective factors against substance misuse and mastering harm reduction and emergency response protocols.

Students synthesize their research into a personalized or family Emergency Card, formatting it for both digital and physical use.

Students learn to distinguish between accredited crisis services and predatory marketing or scams through media literacy and critical thinking.

Students investigate hotlines for substance use and harm reduction, distinguishing between medical emergencies and treatment referrals.

Focusing on safety and discretion, this lesson covers domestic violence hotlines and the unique digital safety features they employ.

Students survey the difference between national networks and local community crisis centers, learning to identify the scope of services and verifying availability.

In this culminating workshop, students synthesize the week's learning to build a digital or physical 'Crisis Wallet.' They curate a list of verified numbers and apps, categorized by need, to keep on their phones for themselves or friends.

This lesson covers resources for substance use crises, including SAMHSA’s helpline and poison control. Students discuss the medical amnesty laws that encourage calling for help during overdose situations without fear of legal repercussions.

Students identify social pressures and marketing tactics, practicing assertive refusal strategies to navigate real-world situations involving vaping.

Students explore the neurobiology of nicotine addiction, learning how it 'hijacks' the brain's reward system and affects adolescent development.

Students investigate the truth behind common vaping myths and explore the long-term health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

The unit final where students apply their analytical skills to a "mystery specimen" and provide a research-backed verdict for a teen athlete.

A fast-paced introduction where students explore the unregulated world of fitness supplements and use a "red flag" checklist to hunt for industry truths on digital specimens.

This lesson focuses on building practical refusal skills and strengthening the 'Shield Squad' (support systems). Students learn specific strategies to navigate high-pressure social contexts while acknowledging their inner feelings.

This lesson helps students identify the 'Inner State' (emotions, curiosity, stress) and 'Social Context' (peers, media, environment) that can lead to substance use. Students will develop awareness of these influences to make healthier choices.

An interactive, game-based lesson focusing on the short-term and long-term dangers of underage drinking, refusal skills, and common myths. Students 'level up' their health knowledge through scenario-based challenges.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A reflective lesson designed for students to evaluate the health risks of vaping and the social pressures that lead to it, focusing on long-term consequences and personal agency.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A 30-minute lesson for 6th graders on identifying and resisting negative peer pressure through refusal strategies and personal 'out' plans.

A comprehensive SEL lesson for high school students focusing on substance abuse prevention through an honest, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive lens, emphasizing decision-making and real-world refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.