High Stakes Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
High Stakes
Navigating THC, Impulse Control, and Conflict
Duration
45 - 60 Minutes
Audience
Grades 8 - 12
Objective
Understand how THC impairs judgment and practice de-escalation.
Lesson Overview
This lesson addresses the intersection of substance use (vaping THC) and aggressive behavior. Students will explore how THC impacts the prefrontal cortex, leading to poor impulse control, physical boundary violations, and verbal threats. The goal is to equip students with cognitive tools to "pause" before reacting.
Essential Questions
How does THC change the way my brain processes anger or stress?
Why are physical boundaries (keeping hands to self) non-negotiable?
What are the long-term consequences of "parking lot" threats?
How can I de-escalate a situation before it becomes a physical or legal issue?
The Teacher's Stance
"This lesson is not about moral judgment. It is about risk management and personal safety. Focus on the 'Why' (brain science) and the 'What's Next' (consequences and alternatives) rather than just the 'Don't'."
Facilitation Steps
1
The Brain on THC (15 Mins)
Use the slides to explain the role of the Prefrontal Cortex. Highlight that THC can cause "emotional flooding," where small annoyances feel like major threats.
Key Talking Point:
"When you vape THC, you're essentially putting a blindfold on the part of your brain that tells you 'Wait, this isn't worth a fight.' It makes impulsive choices feel like the only choice."
2
Boundaries & Threat Reality (15 Mins)
Discuss physical boundaries. Define what "hands to self" looks like in high school. Tackle the specific issue of "parking lot" threats—explain that these are often viewed as premeditated, which increases legal and school consequences.
Critical Note:
Ensure students understand that threatening to meet someone later is a form of intimidation that schools take as seriously as physical assault.
3
Scenario Analysis (20 Mins)
Distribute the "Calm Choices Activity." Have students work individually or in pairs to navigate the scenarios. Walk around and listen for "impulse-driven" vs. "reason-driven" answers.
4
The Exit Turnaround (10 Mins)
End with the reflection ticket. This is a private reflection for the student to identify their own "red flags."
Materials Needed:
High Stakes Slides Calm Choices Activity My Moves Exit Ticket
High Stakes Slides Lesson One
High Stakes
Navigating THC, Impulse Control, and the Decisions that Define Us
The 3-Second Rule
Think of the last time you got instantly angry.
What was the first thing you wanted to do?
What did you actually do?
What's the difference between those two things?
Impulse vs. Intent
An impulse is a reaction.
The Brain's Brakes
How THC affects the Prefrontal Cortex
Filtering
Normally, your brain filters out "bad ideas" before you act on them.
The Cut-off
THC cuts the connection between your feelings and your "brakes."
Escalation
Without brakes, small frustrations turn into major outbursts fast.
Emotional Flooding
What it feels like:
"Everything feels personal. Every look is a challenge. Every joke is a threat."
THC doesn't just make you "chill." For many, it heightens anxiety and paranoia, leading to aggressive defensive reactions.
The Vicious Cycle
1 Vaping THC causes brain "fuzziness"
2 Misinterpreting a social situation
3 Explosive anger / Loss of "brakes"
4 Physical or verbal violation
Hands to Self
Physical boundaries are non-negotiable.
Being under the influence is never a valid excuse for touching, pushing, or hitting someone else.
School Discipline
Legal Charges
Broken Trust
The "Parking Lot" Trap
"Meet me in the parking lot after school."
When you say this, it's no longer a "heat of the moment" accident.
It is now premeditated threat.
Reality Check
Schools treat parking lot threats as terroristic threats or harassment. It's an automatic expulsion path in most districts.
School Response
Suspension/Expulsion & Permanent Record
Legal Response
Police involvement & restraining orders
Personal Response
Living in constant fear of retaliation
Power in the Pause
How to override a THC-driven impulse
1
FEEL IT
Notice the heat in your chest or hands.
2
BREATHE
3 long breaths. FORCE the brakes to engage.
Calm Choices Activity Calm Choices
Activity Sheet
Name:
Date:
Background: THC affects the Prefrontal Cortex—the part of your brain responsible for "stopping" impulsive actions. In the following scenarios, you are navigating high-pressure moments where your "brakes" might be failing.
1
Scenario: The Hallway Stare
You’ve been vaping THC with friends before school. Walking to 2nd period, you see someone you don't like laughing while looking in your direction. Your brain instantly screams that they are mocking you. You feel your hands clench into fists.
The "THC Brain" Impulse
What is the immediate, non-filtered reaction your brain wants to have?
The "Reason-Driven" Choice
How would you handle this if your prefrontal cortex was fully in charge?
2
Scenario: The Parking Lot Trap
A classmate bumps into you in the lunch line and doesn't apologize. You feel the "emotional flood" of anger. You're about to shout, "Meet me in the parking lot at 3:00 and we'll handle this."
Consequence Check: List two things that happen the moment those words leave your mouth:
The Pivot: What is a "Power Pause" move you could use instead of making that threat?
3
Scenario: Physical Boundaries
During a heated debate in class, someone interrupts you. You feel an overwhelming urge to shove them out of your personal space. You've been vaping THC and your patience is at zero.
The Truth About Touching
In a school environment, "hands to self" is a safety requirement. Violation of physical boundaries is often an automatic referral to administration or law enforcement.
Reflect: Why is "I was high" not a valid defense for physical aggression in a school setting?
My Moves Exit Ticket My Moves
Personal Action Plan
1. The "THC Trap":
One way that THC makes it harder for me to keep my hands to myself or stay calm is...
2. My Red Flag:
A physical feeling I get when I'm about to lose my "brakes" (clenched jaw, hot face, etc.):
3. My Power Pause:
A specific move I can make instead of reacting or threatening (walking away, breathing, etc.):
ID: HS-REFLECT-01
Initials:
My Moves
Personal Action Plan
1. The "THC Trap":
One way that THC makes it harder for me to keep my hands to myself or stay calm is...
2. My Red Flag:
A physical feeling I get when I'm about to lose my "brakes" (clenched jaw, hot face, etc.):
3. My Power Pause:
A specific move I can make instead of reacting or threatening (walking away, breathing, etc.):
ID: HS-REFLECT-01
Initials:
