Teacher Script: Drug Awareness

Warm-Up: True or False? (5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important: drug awareness. It's a topic that might seem a little serious, but learning about it now can help you make really smart choices for your future. To get us started, we're going to play a quick 'True or False' game. I'll read a statement, and if you think it's true, give me a thumbs up. If you think it's false, give me a thumbs down. Ready?"

• Statement 1: "Only bad people use drugs."
  
  • (Wait for responses) "False! Drugs can affect anyone, regardless of who they are. It's not about being a 'bad person,' but about making choices that can have serious consequences."
• Statement 2: "Taking a puff from a vape isn't as harmful as smoking a cigarette."
  
  • (Wait for responses) "False! Vapes still contain nicotine, which is super addictive, and many other harmful chemicals that can damage your lungs and brain. There's a lot we're still learning about how harmful vaping can be, but we know it's not safe."
• Statement 3: "It's okay to try a drug once, just to see what it's like."
  
  • (Wait for responses) "False! Even trying some drugs once can have unpredictable and dangerous effects. Some drugs are highly addictive, and even one use can lead to serious trouble or even addiction. It's simply not worth the risk."

"Great job, everyone! It looks like you're already thinking critically about this topic, and that's exactly what we want to do today."

Introduction: What Are Drugs? (5 minutes)

"Let's dive a little deeper. Take a look at Slide 2. What do you think of when you hear the word 'drugs'?" (Allow a few student responses).

"That's right. When we talk about drugs today, we're talking about any substance that changes how your body or mind works. Now, it's important to remember that not all drugs are bad. For example, medicine prescribed by a doctor can help you feel better when you're sick. But when we talk about 'drug awareness,' we're mostly focusing on substances that can be harmful when misused or abused, like alcohol, nicotine in vapes, or illegal substances."

"So, why do people use drugs? What are some reasons you've heard or thought about?" (Guide students to discuss curiosity, peer pressure, stress, wanting to fit in, seeing adults use them, etc.)

"These are all really important points. Understanding why people might use them can help us understand how to avoid them."

Impact of Drugs: Body and Future (10 minutes)

"Now, let's talk about what happens when someone uses drugs, both in the short-term and the long-term. Look at Slide 3. What are some things that might happen to your body or mind right away if someone uses drugs?" (Discuss impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, difficulty concentrating, feeling sick, changing appearance).

"How might these short-term effects impact your day-to-day life? Like, how would it affect playing your favorite sport, doing your homework, or even just hanging out with friends?" (Allow responses).

"Exactly! Now, let's look at Slide 4. This is where things can get even more serious. What are some of the long-term effects of drug use that you see here?" (Discuss addiction, damage to organs like the brain, heart, lungs, and liver, mental health problems like anxiety and depression).

"Beyond health, how can drug use change someone's future plans or dreams? Think about school, friendships, family, and even jobs they might want to have when they're older." (Encourage students to think about the broader impact on their lives and opportunities).

"It's clear that drugs can really mess with your ability to live the life you want."

Refusal Skills: Just Say NO! (7 minutes)

"Alright, so we know drugs are risky, but what if someone offers them to you? That's where refusal skills come in! Look at Slide 5. The most important thing to remember is: It's okay to say NO! Saying no is a sign of strength and confidence."

"Let's brainstorm some ways to say no. What are some things you could say or do if someone offered you drugs?" (List ideas on the board).

"Excellent ideas! We can be direct: 'No, thanks, I'm not interested.' We can change the subject: 'Nah, let's go play basketball instead.' We can just walk away from the situation. And super important, we can always find a trusted adult to talk to, like a parent, teacher, or counselor."

"Now, let's practice! We're going to do a quick Role-Playing Activity. I'll give you a scenario, and I want you to think about how you would say no." (Facilitate the role-playing activity).

Cool-Down: One Word Reflection (3 minutes)

"You all did a fantastic job today. To wrap up, I want everyone to think about one word. What is one word that describes what you learned today, or how you feel about drug awareness? Write it down on a piece of paper or just think of it in your head if you don't want to share. If you're comfortable, we can share a few." (Collect papers or ask for volunteers).

"Thank you for participating today, everyone. Remember, you have the power to make healthy choices for your body and your future! Stay strong, stay smart, and 'Just Say Know'!"

Warm Up: True or False - Drug Awareness

Instructions: Read each statement. If you think the statement is TRUE, give a thumbs up. If you think the statement is FALSE, give a thumbs down. Be ready to explain your answer!

1. Only people who are "bad" or from tough backgrounds use drugs.
   
   
   
2. Taking a puff from a vape isn't as harmful as smoking a cigarette.
   
   
   
3. It's okay to try a drug once, just to see what it's like.
   
   
   

Refusal Skills Role-Play Scenarios

Instructions: In small groups, read each scenario. Then, take turns role-playing how you would respond using the refusal skills we discussed (being direct, changing the subject, walking away, finding a trusted adult). Remember to be confident!

Scenario 1: The "Cool" Crowd

You are at the park with some friends. A slightly older student you know from school comes up and offers you a vape, saying, "Hey, everyone's doing it. It's just flavored water, it's totally chill. Want a hit?"

How would you respond?

Scenario 2: The "Stress Reliever"

Your friend seems really stressed about a test coming up. They tell you they heard that taking a certain pill can help you relax and focus, and they found some at home. They say, "I'm really freaking out about this test. My older cousin said this helps. Do you want to try one with me so we can ace this thing?"

How would you respond?

Scenario 3: The "Party Favor"

You are at a friend's birthday party. Someone offers you an alcoholic drink, saying, "Don't be a baby, just a sip! My parents won't even notice it's gone. It's just a party, have some fun!"

How would you respond?

Cool Down: One Word Reflection

Instructions: Think about everything we discussed today about drug awareness, effects, and refusal skills. On your paper, write down one word that describes:

• What you learned today, OR
• How you feel about this topic, OR
• One important message you'll take away.

(Optional: Share your word with a partner or the class.)

Remember: You have the power to make healthy choices for your body and your future!