Sober Choices, Brighter Future: Teacher's Script

Introduction & Warm-Up (10 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: Sober Choices, Brighter Future - Slide 1: "Sober Choices, Brighter Future")

"Good morning/afternoon everyone. Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly important for your health and your future: alcohol. Not just any alcohol, but how it specifically affects teenagers like yourselves. We're going to dive into the serious health effects, discuss what happens if someone develops an addiction, and, most importantly, equip you with skills to prevent these issues and make choices that lead to a brighter future."

"To get us started, I want you to take a moment and think: What's one thing you've heard or know about teenagers and alcohol? You can share it with a partner, or just think it to yourself. There are no right or wrong answers here, just what you've heard."

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to think or briefly discuss. Call on a few students to share if they feel comfortable.)

"Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's clear this is a topic many of you have some familiarity with, and today we're going to build on that and get into the real facts."

Exploring the Dangers (15 minutes)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Sober Choices, Brighter Future - Slide 2: "The Hidden Dangers: Health Effects")

"Let's start by looking at what alcohol really does to a developing body and mind. When we talk about teen alcohol use, we're not just talking about getting in trouble; we're talking about serious, sometimes permanent, health consequences."

"First, your brain. It's still growing and developing rapidly, especially the parts responsible for memory, learning, and decision-making. Alcohol can actually impair this development, making it harder to learn, remember things, and make good choices. This isn't just a temporary effect; some of these changes can be long-lasting."

"Your liver, your heart, your immune system – all are vulnerable. Alcohol can cause liver damage, heart problems like high blood pressure, and it can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get sick. It also significantly impacts mental health, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety, and can even worsen existing conditions."

(Transition to Slide Deck: Sober Choices, Brighter Future - Slide 3: "Teen Brains + Alcohol = Double Trouble")

"So, why are teenagers particularly at risk compared to adults? It really comes down to biology. Your developing brains process alcohol differently and are more susceptible to its damaging effects."

"Teenagers can also develop a higher tolerance more quickly, meaning they might need to drink more to feel the same effects. This is extremely dangerous because it can lead to faster addiction. And, as many of you know, alcohol lowers inhibitions, which can lead to increased risk-taking behaviors, accidents, and situations you might deeply regret."

"Any questions so far about these health effects? It's a lot to take in, but it's important information."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for questions.)

Treatment & Prevention (15 minutes)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Sober Choices, Brighter Future - Slide 4: "When Help is Needed: Addiction & Treatment")

"Now, let's talk about a tough but important topic: addiction. It's crucial to understand that addiction is a chronic disease, not a moral failing or a choice. It's a complex brain disease that requires help."

"Signs of addiction can include craving alcohol, being unable to limit drinking, or neglecting responsibilities because of alcohol use. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are many treatment options available, such as therapy, counseling, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, and sometimes medication. The most important message here is: it's okay to ask for help. It takes incredible strength to admit you need support, and resources are available for teens and their families."

(Transition to Slide Deck: Sober Choices, Brighter Future - Slide 5: "Your Power to Choose: Prevention Skills")

"Beyond understanding the dangers and knowing where to get help, you have immense power to protect yourselves and your friends. These are your prevention skills."

"We're going to practice some of these, but let's go over them first:"

• Refusal Skills: This is about clearly and confidently saying 'no' and offering alternatives. It's not always easy, but having a plan helps.
• Choosing Your Friends Wisely: Surround yourself with people who support your healthy choices, not pressure you into unhealthy ones.
• Stress Management: Life as a teenager can be stressful. Finding healthy ways to cope, like hobbies, exercise, or talking to a trusted adult, is key.
• Understanding Peer Pressure: Recognize when you're being pressured and have strategies to resist it.
• Speaking Up: If you see a friend struggling, don't stay silent. Encourage them to get help or talk to a trusted adult yourself."

Discussion & Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Sober Choices, Brighter Future - Slide 6: "Make Sober Choices, Build a Brighter Future")

"Now, let's have a discussion. I want you to think about what we've covered and share your thoughts. I'm going to put up some questions from our Discussion Guide: Sober Choices, Brighter Future. Remember, this is a safe space for respectful conversation."

(Facilitate discussion using the Discussion Guide: Sober Choices, Brighter Future questions.)

"Thank you all for that important and thoughtful discussion. To wrap up, I want to leave you with these key takeaways:

• Always remember the serious health risks associated with teen alcohol use.
• Practice your prevention skills to stay safe and make good choices.
• Support your friends in making healthy decisions.
• And if you or someone you know ever needs help, remember it's a sign of strength to reach out. There are resources available."

"Your health, your future, your decision. What will you do to ensure a sober, brighter future for yourselves? Think about that as you leave today. You have the power to make choices that will positively impact your entire life."

"Have a great rest of your day."

Sober Choices, Brighter Future: Discussion Guide

Use these questions to facilitate a thoughtful and respectful discussion with your students. Encourage everyone to participate and share their perspectives while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.

Opening the Discussion

1. What was the most surprising or impactful piece of information you learned today about alcohol and its effects on teenagers?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Why do you think it's important for teenagers to understand the specific risks of alcohol use?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Exploring Prevention & Support

3. We talked about several prevention skills, like refusal skills and choosing friends wisely. Which of these skills do you think is the most challenging to use, and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Imagine a friend is pressuring you to drink alcohol. What are some specific things you could say or do to decline without alienating your friend?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. If you or a friend were struggling with alcohol use, what steps would you take to get help, or encourage your friend to get help?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Personal Reflection & Future Choices

6. How has today's lesson changed your perspective on alcohol use among teenagers?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. What is one commitment you can make to yourself to ensure you make sober choices for a brighter future?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. What role do you think schools and communities play in helping teenagers make healthy choices about alcohol?