Lesson Plan
Break The Habit Lesson Plan
Students will learn about the risks of drug use, identify common peer-pressure scenarios, practice refusal techniques, and commit to healthy choices. They will develop awareness and actionable refusal skills to resist substance use.
Early education on drug risks and refusal skills empowers 10th graders to make informed decisions, resist negative influences, and protect their health and future. Building these competencies now supports lifelong well-being.
Audience
10th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive presentation, group discussions, and role-play build knowledge and practical refusal skills.
Materials
- Slide Deck: Break The Habit Overview, - Infographic: Drug Facts Infographic, - Handout: Peer Pressure Scenarios Handout, - Guide: Refusal Skills Role-Play Guide, - Worksheet: Role-Play Feedback Worksheet, and - Exit Ticket: Commitment Pledge
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Print enough copies of Peer Pressure Scenarios Handout and Role-Play Feedback Worksheet.
- Download and review Break The Habit Overview and Drug Facts Infographic.
- Set up projector or classroom display.
- Arrange desks for small-group work.
Step 1
Introduction and Hook
5 minutes
- Display the title slide of Break The Habit Overview.
- Ask: “What comes to mind when you hear ‘drug prevention’?” and record student responses.
- Briefly outline today’s objectives: risks, peer pressure, refusal skills.
Step 2
Drug Risks Presentation
10 minutes
- Present key statistics and facts using Drug Facts Infographic.
- Highlight short-term vs. long-term effects.
- Pose 2–3 questions to check understanding.
Step 3
Peer Pressure Scenarios
15 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 3–4.
- Distribute Peer Pressure Scenarios Handout.
- Groups read scenarios, identify pressure types, and brainstorm refusal strategies.
- Each group shares one scenario summary with the class.
Step 4
Refusal Skills Role-Play
10 minutes
- Pair students and provide Refusal Skills Role-Play Guide.
- Students practice refusal scripts; observers use Role-Play Feedback Worksheet.
- Rotate roles so each student leads at least one practice.
Step 5
Exit Ticket and Reflection
5 minutes
- Hand out Commitment Pledge exit tickets.
- Students write one personal commitment to healthy choices.
- Collect tickets and thank students for participation.
Slide Deck
Break The Habit: Drug Prevention
An interactive lesson on drug risks, peer pressure, and refusal skills.
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Emphasize today’s focus on understanding drug risks, peer pressure, and building refusal skills.
Why Drug Prevention Matters
• Nearly 1 in 5 high school students has used illicit drugs.
• Short- and long-term health risks can impact grades, relationships, and future goals.
• Early decisions shape lifelong habits.
Refer to the Drug Facts Infographic. Ask students which fact surprised them most.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects
Short-Term Effects:
– Impaired judgment and coordination
– Elevated heart rate, nausea, dizziness
– Risk of overdose
Long-Term Effects:
– Addiction and tolerance
– Organ damage (liver, lungs, heart)
– Mental health issues (anxiety, depression)
Contrast immediate effects versus cumulative damage. Invite students to add examples.
Recognizing Peer Pressure
Direct Pressure:
– Friends saying “Come on, just try it.”
– Being offered substances in person.
Indirect Pressure:
– Social media images of drug use.
– Belief that “everyone’s doing it.”
Define direct vs. indirect pressure. Elicit quick examples from students.
Peer Pressure Scenarios Activity
- Divide into groups of 3–4.
- Use the Peer Pressure Scenarios Handout.
- Identify the type of pressure and brainstorm refusal strategies.
- Each group shares one scenario summary.
Explain group formation and handout distribution. Encourage each group to appoint a note-taker.
Refusal Skills Techniques
• Say “No” confidently
• Provide a brief reason (“I’ve got practice.”)
• Offer an alternative (“Let’s go to the game instead.”)
• Use the broken-record technique (repeat your refusal)
• Nonverbal cues (eye contact, posture)
Walk through each refusal technique with a quick demo or student volunteer.
Refusal Skills Role-Play
- Pair up: one offers, one refuses.
- Use the Refusal Skills Role-Play Guide.
- Observers use the Role-Play Feedback Worksheet.
- Rotate roles so everyone practices.
Model a short role-play before students begin. Remind observers to use the feedback worksheet.
Exit Ticket: Your Commitment
Write one personal commitment to healthy choices on the Commitment Pledge.
• What will you do next time you face pressure?
• How will you support friends?
Distribute exit tickets. Encourage sincere, personal commitments.
Thank You & Questions
Any questions or reflections?
Remember: You have the power to make healthy choices and support your peers.
Thank students for their honesty and participation. Remind them resources are available if they need support.
Activity
Peer Pressure Scenarios Handout
In your group, read each scenario and discuss the questions. For each scenario, answer:
- What type of peer pressure is it (direct or indirect)?
- What refusal strategy could you use?
- Write your own refusal response.
Scenario 1
Your friend Jason hands you a vape pen at lunch and says, “Come on, everyone’s doing it. Just one puff won’t hurt.”
Type of pressure: _________________________
Refusal strategy: _________________________
Your refusal response: _________________________
Scenario 2
You scroll through social media and see classmates posting pictures of themselves partying with alcohol. You feel like you’ll be left out if you don’t join.
Type of pressure: _________________________
Refusal strategy: _________________________
Your refusal response: _________________________
Scenario 3
During a study break, your lab partner offers you a pill to help you “focus” on your homework. They say, “It’s totally safe—my older sibling gave it to me.”
Type of pressure: _________________________
Refusal strategy: _________________________
Your refusal response: _________________________
Scenario 4
A group of friends teases you for not drinking at the party and says, “If you really liked us, you’d have a drink too.”
Type of pressure: _________________________
Refusal strategy: _________________________
Your refusal response: _________________________
Use your discussion to prepare to share one scenario and your strategies with the class.
Activity
Refusal Skills Role-Play Guide
Use this guide to practice resisting peer pressure through realistic role-play. Work in pairs and follow the steps below.
1. Set Up
- Pair up: one Offerer (plays the friend offering a substance) and one Responder (practices refusing).
- Have your group’s Peer Pressure Scenario ready (Peer Pressure Scenarios Handout).
- Observers (if available) use the Role-Play Feedback Worksheet (Role-Play Feedback Worksheet).
2. Role-Play Steps
- Offerer reads a scenario aloud and acts it out naturally (tone, body language).
- Responder uses refusal skills to say “no” and stay safe.
- Observers note strengths and areas for improvement (see feedback worksheet).
- Switch roles and repeat with a new scenario or variation.
Aim for 2–3 role-play rounds so each student has two turns refusing.
3. Refusal Techniques to Practice
Use one or more of the following in your refusal:
• Confident “No”
– Script: “No thanks, I’m good.”
• Brief Reason
– Script: “I can’t—I’ve got practice in 10 minutes.”
• Alternative Suggestion
– Script: “Let’s grab a snack instead.”
• Broken-Record Technique
– Script: “No, I’m not interested.” (Repeat calmly if pressured again.)
• Nonverbal Cues
– Maintain eye contact, stand tall, use a calm tone.
Combine techniques for a strong refusal. E.g., “No thanks, I’ve got basketball tryouts later. Let’s go shoot hoops instead.”
4. Observer Guidelines
Observers, use the Role-Play Feedback Worksheet to record:
- How clear and confident was the refusal?
- Which techniques were used?
- Was the body language and tone appropriate?
- Suggestions for making the refusal stronger.
5. Debrief as a Class
- After all pairs finish, discuss:
- Which techniques felt most natural?
- What was challenging about saying “no”?
- How can you adapt these skills in real situations?
6. Next Steps
- Apply these refusal skills when you face peer pressure.
- Reflect on today’s practice in your Exit Ticket: Commitment Pledge (Commitment Pledge).
Worksheet
Role-Play Feedback Worksheet
Observer Name: _________________________
Offerer Name: _________________________
Responder Name: _________________________
Scenario Title/Number: _________________________
Round 1 Feedback
- How confident and clear was the refusal? (1 = not clear, 5 = very clear) 1 2 3 4 5
- Techniques used by Responder:
_________________________ - Body language and tone:
_________________________ - Strengths (what worked well):
_________________________ - Suggestions to strengthen refusal:
_________________________
Round 2 Feedback
- How confident and clear was the refusal? (1 = not clear, 5 = very clear) 1 2 3 4 5
- Techniques used by Responder:
_________________________ - Body language and tone:
_________________________ - Strengths (what worked well):
_________________________ - Suggestions to strengthen refusal:
_________________________
Use this form to help your partner practice clear, confident refusal skills and identify areas for improvement.
Warm Up
Quick Poll: Drug Knowledge
Instructions: Read each statement. Indicate whether you Agree (A) or Disagree (D) next to each one. Be honest – there are no right or wrong answers. This will help me see what you already know.
- Vaping a small amount of nicotine is harmless.
Agree ___ Disagree ___ - Prescription drugs are always safe if they’re not prescribed to you by a doctor.
Agree ___ Disagree ___ - Drinking alcohol only affects you for a few hours and has no long-term impact.
Agree ___ Disagree ___ - Peers’ opinions are the biggest influence on your decisions about drugs and alcohol.
Agree ___ Disagree ___
Turn & Talk (2 minutes):
• Find a partner and compare your answers.
• Choose one statement where you disagreed.
• Discuss why you think differently and what influenced your view.
Discussion Notes: _________________________
Next, we’ll share key insights and clarify any misconceptions before diving into our lesson.
Cool Down
Commitment Pledge
As we wrap up today’s lesson, reflect on how you’ll apply these skills and commit to healthy choices.
- When I next face peer pressure, I will:
- To support my friends in making healthy choices, I will:
- Additional thoughts or questions about today’s lesson: