Drugs Unmasked Teacher Script

Introduction & Objectives (3 minutes)

“Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our session called ‘Drugs Unmasked.’ My name is [Your Name], and I’m glad you’re here today. Over the next 30 minutes, we’re going to:

• Define common drug categories
• Identify their short- and long-term effects
• Practice clear strategies to resist peer pressure and make healthy decisions

Please turn your attention to Slide 1 of the Drugs Unmasked Slide Deck. Let me read our learning objectives aloud, so we all know what to expect.”

(Click to reveal objectives.)

“By the end of today’s lesson, you’ll be able to talk confidently about different types of drugs, understand how they affect the body and mind, and use real refusal skills if you ever feel pressured.”

Drug Types & Effects Presentation (8 minutes)

Slide 2 – What Are Drugs?

“Let’s start with a basic question: What is a drug? A drug is any substance—legal or illegal—that changes how our body or mind works. (Click to reveal the list.)

We group drugs into four main categories: stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and opioids.

Why do you think it helps to organize drugs into categories?

Possible follow-up: “Great thoughts. Grouping helps us spot patterns in effects and risks.”

Slide 3 – Stimulants

“Now, let’s look at stimulants. These are drugs that speed up the body’s systems.

• Examples: Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines
• Short-Term Effects: Increased alertness and energy, faster heart rate and blood pressure
• Long-Term Effects: Anxiety, insomnia, heart problems, addiction

Quick question: Who here drinks coffee or energy drinks? How do you feel afterward?

Possible follow-up: “Notice the similarities between something as common as caffeine and more powerful stimulants. Overuse can lead to serious health problems.”

Slide 4 – Depressants

“Next up, depressants—they slow down the body’s systems.

• Examples: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates
• Short-Term Effects: Relaxation, drowsiness, slowed breathing, impaired coordination
• Long-Term Effects: Memory problems, dependence, liver damage

Who has noticed feeling sleepy or less coordinated after an alcoholic drink or certain medications?

Possible follow-up: “Even prescription drugs can become dangerous if misused.”

Slide 5 – Hallucinogens

“Third category: hallucinogens. These cause visual or sensory distortions.

• Examples: LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, PCP
• Short-Term Effects: Hallucinations, altered perception, rapid mood swings
• Long-Term Effects: Persistent psychosis, flashbacks, memory issues

What images come to mind when you hear ‘hallucination’?

Possible follow-up: “Because trips are unpredictable, people can get into real danger without meaning to.”

Slide 6 – Opioids

“Finally, opioids—powerful pain relievers linked to high addiction risk.

• Examples: Prescription painkillers (OxyContin), heroin
• Short-Term Effects: Pain relief, euphoria, slowed breathing, drowsiness
• Long-Term Effects: Overdose, organ damage, severe dependence

Why do you think opioids are a major public health concern right now?

Possible follow-up: “The ease of access to prescription opioids has fueled the current crisis.”

Slide 7 – Strategies to Resist Peer Pressure

“Knowing how drugs work is half the battle. We also need solid refusal skills. On the slide, you’ll see five strategies:

1. Be Assertive: A confident “No, thanks.”
2. “I” Statements: “I’m not into that.”
3. Offer Alternatives: “Let’s grab something else to do.”
4. Delay Tactic: “I’ll think about it.”
5. Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust.

Who wants to volunteer and role-play using an “I” statement or an alternative suggestion?

Possible follow-up: “Excellent! Notice how clear language and eye contact make refusal stronger.”

Drug Effects Worksheet (7 minutes)

“Great participation! Now I’m handing out the Drug Effects Worksheet. On this sheet, you’ll match each drug to its effects and answer two reflection questions.

Work on your own for about seven minutes. I’ll come around to answer any questions you have. Let’s begin.”

(After 7 minutes.)

“Time’s up! Please finish your last sentence and put your pencils down.”

Scenario-Based Activity (7 minutes)

“Next, let’s practice in pairs. Turn to someone sitting next to you and take one set of Scenario-Based Activity Cards. Each card describes a real-life situation. Read your scenario together, decide how you would respond, and choose which refusal strategy fits best.

You have five minutes. Let’s get started.”

(After 5 minutes.)

“Okay, let’s hear from two pairs. Who’d like to share your scenario and your response?”

Listen, then add: “Fantastic—notice how you used clear language and an alternative plan.”

Discussion & Quick Quiz (5 minutes)

“Now, we’ll come back together for a brief discussion. I’m projecting the Peer Pressure Discussion Guide.

Question: When might you need to use these refusal skills in real life? What challenges might come up?

After 1–2 minutes: “Thank you for sharing. Remember, it’s normal to feel nervous—practice makes it easier.”

“Finally, please take a copy of the Drugs Unmasked Quiz. You have five questions to answer in three minutes. When you finish, hand your quiz to me so I can grade it with the Drugs Unmasked Quiz Answer Key.”

(After 3 minutes.)

“Time’s up—please pass your quiz forward.”

Closure (1 minute)

“You all did fantastic work today. Remember:

• Drugs can affect your body and mind in very different ways.
• You now know clear, respectful ways to say no.
• If you ever feel pressured, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or school counselor.

Thank you for your attention and participation. Have a great rest of your day!”

Drug Effects Worksheet

Part 1: Match Each Drug to Its Effects

Write the letter of the correct effect next to each drug.

1. Caffeine ________
2. Alcohol ________
3. LSD ________
4. OxyContin ________
5. Nicotine ________

Effects:

A. Hallucinations & flashbacks; unpredictable mood swings
B. Relaxation, drowsiness, impaired coordination
C. Increased alertness & energy; faster heart rate
D. Euphoria & pain relief; high risk of overdose & addiction
E. Elevated blood pressure; increased addiction risk & cancer risk

Part 2: Reflection Questions

1. Which drug category surprised you the most? Explain why.

1. Imagine a friend offers you a substance you’re unsure about. Which refusal strategy would you use and what would you say?

1. Why is it important to consider both short-term and long-term effects before making decisions about drug use?

When you’ve finished, be prepared to discuss your answers in class.

Scenario-Based Activity Cards

Card 1: The Party Pill

Scenario: Your friend offers you a pill at a party, saying it will make the night unforgettable. You don’t know what it is.

Discussion Prompts:

1. What could you say or do?
2. Which refusal strategies would you use?

Card 2: The Vaping Peer

Scenario: A classmate hands you a vape pen during lunch, saying it’s just flavored vapor and harmless.

Discussion Prompts:

1. How might you respond?
2. Which refusal strategy fits best?

Card 3: The Mixed Prescription

Scenario: An older cousin offers you leftover painkillers from their prescription to help with a headache, insisting it’s safe.

Discussion Prompts:

1. What would you do?
2. Which refusal strategy applies?

Card 4: The Smoking Offer

Scenario: You’re with friends before a movie when someone pulls out a joint and offers you a hit. You’ve never smoked cannabis.

Discussion Prompts:

1. What would you say?
2. Which refusal technique would you choose?

Peer Pressure Discussion Guide

Purpose:
This guide helps teachers facilitate a safe, engaging whole-class discussion about real-life scenarios where students might face peer pressure to use drugs. The goal is to reinforce refusal strategies, build confidence, and encourage honest sharing.

Discussion Setup

• Arrange students in a circle or semi-circle so everyone can see and hear each other.
• Remind class of ground rules: respect all opinions, listen actively, and maintain privacy—what’s shared stays in the room.
• Display this guide or distribute printed copies.

Key Discussion Questions

1. When Might You Face Pressure?
   • Think of a social setting—parties, sports events, online chats.
   • What makes these situations challenging?
   
   
   
   
2. Which Refusal Strategies Work Best?
   • Of the five strategies (assertive “No,” “I” statements, alternatives, delay, seek support), which feels most natural?
   • How would you phrase your response?
   
   
   
   
3. What Barriers Might You Encounter?
   • Fear of losing friends, looking uncool, or embarrassment.
   • How can you prepare to overcome these barriers?
   
   
   
   
4. Who Can You Turn To for Help?
   • Identify trusted adults or peers (coach, counselor, family member).
   • What makes someone a good support person?
   
   
   
   

Teacher Prompts & Follow-Up

• If students hesitate, share a brief, age-appropriate example (“I once declined…”).
• Encourage quieter students with prompts like, “What do you think, [Student Name]?”
• Validate each contribution: “That’s a great point—thank you for sharing.”
• Summarize themes as they emerge: safety, self-respect, trusted networks.

Closing Reflection (1–2 minutes)

• Ask each student to name one thing they’ll remember from today’s discussion.
• Optionally, have students write a quick exit ticket: “My go-to refusal phrase is ___.”
• Reinforce that practicing these phrases can make real-life refusal feel easier.

Quiz Answer Key

Use this key to grade student responses and provide brief feedback.

1. Question: Which drug category includes heroin and prescription painkillers like OxyContin?
   • Correct Answer: D. Opioids
   • Rationale: Opioids are a class of powerful pain-relieving drugs that include prescription medications (e.g., OxyContin) and illicit substances (e.g., heroin).
2. Question: Which of the following is a short-term effect of stimulants?
   • Correct Answer: C. Increased alertness and energy
   • Rationale: Stimulants speed up brain and body activity, leading to heightened wakefulness and energy in the short term.
3. Question: Persistent psychosis and flashbacks are potential long-term effects of which drug category?
   • Correct Answer: C. Hallucinogens
   • Rationale: Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin) can cause lasting changes in perception, including flashbacks and psychosis.
4. Question: Which refusal strategy involves offering another activity or suggestion instead of using a drug?
   • Correct Answer: C. Offer an alternative
   • Rationale: Suggesting a different activity (like grabbing a snack or going to a movie) redirects the situation away from drug use.
5. Question: Which of the following is a long-term effect associated with depressants?
   • Correct Answer: B. Memory problems and liver damage
   • Rationale: Chronic use of depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines) can impair memory and cause organ damage, especially to the liver.