Substance Abuse Scenario Cards

Use these scenario cards to guide your prevention poster activity. In pairs, choose one scenario and discuss the following:

1. What are the health, social, or legal risks illustrated in your scenario?
2. Which refusal strategies or healthier alternatives could you recommend?

Fill in your notes under each heading. You will use this information to design your poster.

Scenario 1: The House Party Offer

You’re at a weekend house party where older students are passing around a marijuana joint. A close friend encourages you to try it, saying, “Everyone’s doing it—it’ll help you loosen up.”

Risks:

Refusal Strategies or Alternatives (Examples):

• Clearly and firmly say “No, thanks.”
• Suggest an alternative activity (e.g., “Let’s grab a snack instead.”)
• Express concern for health (“I don’t want to mess with my lungs.”)
• Delay the decision (“Maybe next time.”)
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Post-Game Vaping

After winning your big basketball game, teammates head to the bleachers and pull out fruity-flavored vape pens. They invite you to join in, saying it’s a way to celebrate.

Risks:

Refusal Strategies or Alternatives (Examples):

• Congratulate your team and suggest a juice or smoothie instead.
• Mention you have an early morning practice.
• Offer to help clean up or pack up equipment together.
• State that you prefer to keep your lungs clear for sports.
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: Stress-Relief Suggestion

With midterms around the corner, a friend texts you a picture of themselves vaping and says, “This helps me chill when I’m stressed—wanna try?”

Risks:

Refusal Strategies or Alternatives (Examples):

• Acknowledge their stress and suggest studying together or taking a walk.
• Say you have a healthy routine for stress (e.g., exercise, deep breathing).
• Agree to talk or vent instead of using substances.
• Offer to meet for a coffee and chat.
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 4: The Bus Ride Pressure

On the bus ride to a concert, someone in your group pulls out a vape and says, “Come on, just one puff—nobody will know.”

Risks:

Refusal Strategies or Alternatives (Examples):

• Keep it light: “I’ll pass—need my voice in top shape for singing.”
• Say you don’t want to risk getting caught.
• Suggest playing music or games on the bus instead.
• Offer to DJ or pick the next playlist.
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 5: Social Media Influence

A popular classmate posts a story vaping behind the school and taunts, “Bet you’re too lame to try it.” They tag you in the story to pressure you.

Risks:

Refusal Strategies or Alternatives (Examples):

• Respond privately with a firm refusal (“No thanks, I’ll sit this out.”).
• Post something positive about staying healthy instead.
• Use humor: “Too busy living my best life smoke-free.”
• Block or mute if the pressure continues.
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 6: Curiosity at a Sleepover

During a sleepover, someone brings a small bag labeled “weed gummies.” They insist it’s just candy and “totally safe.”

Risks:

Refusal Strategies or Alternatives (Examples):

• Firmly refuse and explain you’re not comfortable ingesting unknown substances.
• Suggest playing a board game or watching a movie instead.
• Offer to make a snack or mocktail for everyone.
• Encourage checking reliable sources before trying anything.
  
  
  
  
  

End of Scenario Cards