Exit Ticket: Substance Sleuths

Name: _______________________ Date: ___________

1. What is one important thing you learned today about substances?
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one strategy you will use if someone offers you a substance?
   
   
   
   
   

3. Why is it helpful to have a plan before you face peer pressure?
   
   
   
   
   

Substance Facts Handout

Use this handout to review common psychoactive substances, their short- and long-term effects, and key safety facts.

Nicotine

What it is:
• A highly addictive chemical found in tobacco products and many e-cigarettes.

Common Forms:
• Cigarettes, cigars, vaping devices, chew, snuff.

Short-Term Effects:
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Heightened alertness or dizziness
• Irritation of lungs or throat (vaping)

Long-Term Effects:
• Addiction and withdrawal symptoms
• Respiratory problems (chronic bronchitis)
• Increased risk of heart disease and stroke

Legal Age:
• 21+ to purchase tobacco and vaping products in most regions.

Alcohol

What it is:
• A depressant that slows down brain and body functions.

Common Forms:
• Beer, wine, spirits (hard liquor), ready-to-drink canned cocktails.

Short-Term Effects:
• Impaired judgment and coordination
• Slurred speech, slowed reaction time
• Mood changes (euphoria, aggression, sadness)

Long-Term Effects:
• Liver damage (cirrhosis)
• Memory and learning difficulties
• Addiction (alcohol use disorder), increased cancer risk

Legal Age:
• 21+ to legally purchase and consume in the U.S.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

What they are:
• Drugs you can buy without a prescription to treat minor health issues.

Common Examples:
• Cough syrup, cold and flu remedies, pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen).

Short-Term Effects (when used correctly):
• Relief of symptoms (pain, fever, cough).

Risks of Misuse:
• Drowsiness, dizziness
• Stomach irritation or overdose
• Some cough medicines contain dextromethorphan, which can cause hallucinations if abused.

Long-Term Effects of Misuse:
• Liver or kidney damage
• Dependency on certain ingredients
• Serious health complications from overdose

Prescription Drugs

What they are:
• Medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Common Categories:
• Opioid painkillers (e.g., oxycodone)
• Stimulants (e.g., ADHD medications)
• Sedatives (e.g., anti-anxiety medications)

Short-Term Effects:
• Pain relief, increased focus, or calming effect
• Side effects like nausea, drowsiness, or agitation

Risks of Misuse:
• Dependency and tolerance
• Respiratory depression (with opioids)
• Heart problems or seizures (with stimulants)

Long-Term Effects:
• Addiction and withdrawal symptoms
• Organ damage
• Mental health issues (depression, anxiety)

Legal Note:
• Taking any prescription drug without a doctor’s order is illegal and unsafe.

Cannabis (Marijuana)

What it is:
• A plant containing psychoactive compounds (THC) and non-psychoactive (CBD).

Common Forms:
• Dried flower (smoked or vaped), edibles, oils, concentrates.

Short-Term Effects:
• Altered perception of time and space
• Euphoria or relaxation
• Impaired memory, coordination, and decision-making

Long-Term Effects:
• Respiratory issues (if smoked)
• Impacts on attention and learning, especially in young brains
• Potential for dependency

Legal Status:
• Varies by state and country; often legal for medical use, sometimes for adults 21+ recreationally.

Key Takeaways

• All psychoactive substances can change how your mind and body function.
• Short-term effects may seem harmless but can lead to risky situations and poor choices.
• Long-term use or misuse increases health risks and addiction potential.
• Always follow legal guidelines and medical advice.
• Have a plan and practice refusal strategies to stay healthy and safe.

Scenario Cards

Card 1: The After-School Hangout
You’re at a friend’s house after school. One friend pulls out an e-cigarette and says, “Just try one puff—everyone’s doing it.”

A) Take a puff to fit in.
B) Say “No thanks, I’m good,” and change the subject.
C) Tell them it’s gross but keep standing close.

Card 2: Lunchtime Locker Offer
At lunch, a classmate opens a pill bottle and offers you some prescription pills to feel “chill.” They say it’s no big deal.

A) Take one to see how it feels.
B) Refuse and explain you only take medicine with a doctor’s OK.
C) Say “Maybe later,” then leave it on your locker shelf.

Card 3: Game Night Challenge
During a weekend game night, friends pass around a beer. They dare you to take a sip so you don’t look like a “baby.”

A) Take a sip to prove you’re brave.
B) Hold your cup up, say “No thanks,” and grab a soda instead.
C) Pretend you drank it but dump it out later.

Card 4: Sleepover Sweet Treats
At a sleepover, someone offers you candy that’s secretly mixed with marijuana. They promise it’s harmless.

A) Eat it to be part of the group.
B) Say “No thanks, I don’t want to risk it,” and step away.
C) Take a piece but throw it away when they’re not looking.

Card 5: Weekend Road Trip
On a road trip, a friend hands you a cough syrup mix that can make you “high.” They encourage you to drink it now.

A) Drink some so you don’t seem uncool.
B) Refuse, say “I only use meds the right way,” and ask for water instead.
C) Keep the bottle but pretend to swallow a bit.

Instructions for Use:

1. In small groups, read each card and discuss what each choice might lead to.
2. Decide which response is the healthiest and why.
3. Be ready to share your group’s top choice and reasoning with the class.

Role-Play Scripts

Instructions for Pairs

1. Choose one scenario script below.
2. Assign roles: Role A (the peer offering a substance) and Role B (the student practicing refusal).
3. Practice the dialogue, focusing on:
   • Clear “I” statements
   • Confident tone and body language
   • Maintaining eye contact
4. Switch roles and repeat.
5. After both rounds, discuss as a pair which phrases felt strongest and why.

Script 1: The Vape Offer

Role A (Friend): Hey, everyone’s trying this vape. Just one puff won’t hurt. Come on!
Role B (You): [Use an “I” statement] “No thanks, I’m good. I choose to keep my lungs healthy.”
Role A: Seriously, it’s just water vapor. Don’t be so boring.
Role B: “I care about my health, and I’d rather hang out without it.”

Script 2: The Mystery Gummies

Role A: I have these gummy bears—they’re super tasty. Want one?
Role B: “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t take things when I’m not sure what’s in them.”
Role A: Relax, they’re harmless. Everyone at school is eating them.
Role B: “I’m not comfortable risking it. Let’s grab some regular snacks instead.”

Script 3: The Red-Pill Challenge

Role A: My cousin gave me these pills—just pop one to feel awesome. Try it!
Role B: “No thanks. I only take medicine prescribed by a doctor.”
Role A: You’re such a worrywart. It’s no big deal.
Role B: “I have a plan to stay safe, and this doesn’t fit.”

Script 4: The Party Beer Dare

Role A: It’s just a sip of beer. Prove you’re not a baby.
Role B: “I’m sticking with soda tonight. I like keeping my judgment sharp.”
Role A: Everyone will laugh if you don’t.
Role B: “I care more about my choices than fitting in.”

Teacher Tips & Sentence Stems

• Encourage students to speak slowly and clearly.
• Remind them to stand tall and use open body language.
• Offer sentence stems on a handout or board:
  • “No thanks, I’m good.”
  • “I choose to…”
  • “I only use meds when…”
  • “I’m not comfortable with…”
  • “I have a plan to stay healthy.”

After practice, ask pairs:

• Which refusal felt most natural?
• How did you handle pushback?
• What could you say next time if they keep pressuring?