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The Truth About Drugs

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Alejandra Gonzalez

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

The Truth About Drugs

Students will be able to identify key statistics related to drug use, understand the short-term and long-term impacts of various substances, and develop critical thinking skills for making informed decisions regarding substance use.

Empowering students with accurate information about drug awareness is crucial for their well-being and future. This lesson helps students navigate peer pressure, understand health risks, and make responsible choices.

Audience

9th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, slide presentation, and a reflective activity.

Materials

  • The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck, - Drug Awareness Script, - Myth vs. Fact Activity Card Set, and - My Choice, My Future Cool Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review all generated materials: The Truth About Drugs Lesson Plan, The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck, Drug Awareness Script, Myth vs. Fact Activity Card Set, and My Choice, My Future Cool Down.
  • Print and cut out the Myth vs. Fact Activity Card Set for small group work (one set per 3-4 students).
  • Ensure projector/screen and computer are ready for the slide deck presentation.

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin with an engaging question to activate prior knowledge and gauge student perceptions on drug use. (Refer to Drug Awareness Script for specific prompts).
  • Introduce the lesson's objective and importance using The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).

Step 2

Statistical Deep Dive & Discussion (15 minutes)

15 minutes

  • Present key statistics and facts about drug use, its prevalence, and various impacts using The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck (Slides 3-7).
  • Facilitate a guided discussion using prompts from the Drug Awareness Script, encouraging students to share their thoughts and ask questions in a safe environment.

Step 3

Myth vs. Fact Activity (7 minutes)

7 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
  • Distribute the Myth vs. Fact Activity Card Set to each group.
  • Instruct groups to discuss each statement and decide if it's a myth or a fact, providing reasoning.
  • Bring the class back together to quickly review some of the statements and clarify any misconceptions.

Step 4

Conclusion & Cool-Down (3 minutes)

3 minutes

  • Briefly summarize the main takeaways from the lesson.
  • Distribute the My Choice, My Future Cool Down for students to complete as an exit ticket, reflecting on their personal commitment to healthy choices.
  • Collect cool-down tickets.
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Slide Deck

The Truth About Drugs: What You Need to Know

Navigating Choices, Understanding Facts.

Today, we're going to uncover some important truths together. Your choices matter more than you know!

Welcome students. Start by asking an open-ended question to get them thinking, like: 'What's one thing you've heard about drugs, good or bad?' This helps activate prior knowledge and sets a comfortable tone.

Why Talk About Drugs?

  • Your health and future are important.
  • Information empowers you to make smart choices.
  • Understanding the facts helps navigate peer pressure.
  • It's about staying safe and thriving.

Explain the purpose of the lesson – to provide accurate information, not to preach. Emphasize that this is about empowering them with knowledge to make informed decisions for their own health and future.

What Are 'Drugs' Anyway?

  • Substances that change how your body or mind works.
  • Can be legal (like medicines, alcohol, tobacco) or illegal.
  • Today, we're focusing on understanding the impacts of misuse and illegal substances.

Define what 'drugs' can encompass. Briefly mention both legal (prescription, OTC, alcohol, tobacco) and illegal substances, but focus the lesson primarily on illegal and misused substances. Clarify that 'drug awareness' is about understanding risks and responsible choices across the board.

Quick Facts: Teen Drug Use (Grade 9 Focus)

  • Alcohol: About 29% of 9th-12th graders reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days (CDC, 2021).
  • Marijuana: Approximately 16% of high school students reported current marijuana use (CDC, 2021).
  • Vaping/E-cigarettes: Around 14% of high school students reported current e-cigarette use (CDC, 2022).
  • Prescription Opioids (Misuse): About 3% of high school students reported misusing prescription opioids (CDC, 2021).

(Sources: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2021 & 2022)

Present these statistics clearly. Ask students if any of these numbers surprise them and why. Facilitate a brief discussion on what these numbers tell us about drug use among teens.

Immediate Impact: What Happens Right Away?

  • Brain Function: Impaired judgment, slower reaction time, memory problems.
  • Mood & Behavior: Mood swings, increased anxiety or paranoia, impulsivity.
  • Physical Effects: Nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, drowsiness, coordination issues.
  • Risk of Overdose: Especially with unknown substances or mixing drugs.

Discuss the common immediate effects. Ask students to consider why these short-term effects can be dangerous (e.g., impaired judgment leading to accidents, increased anxiety).

Long-Term Effects: Your Future on the Line

  • Brain Development: Permanent damage to developing brains, impacting learning and memory.
  • Mental Health: Increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis.
  • Physical Health: Organ damage (liver, lungs, heart), chronic diseases, weakened immune system, addiction.
  • Social & Academic: Damaged relationships, poor academic performance, legal troubles, difficulty achieving goals.

Shift to the longer-term consequences. Emphasize that these are not just abstract possibilities but real risks that can affect their entire future. Connect this to their aspirations for college, career, and personal relationships.

Addiction: A Change in the Brain

  • Addiction is a chronic disease that changes brain structure and function.
  • It makes you crave drugs and lose control over your use.
  • Starting drug use young significantly increases the risk of developing addiction.
  • It's not about willpower; it's about brain changes.

Highlight the addiction aspect. Explain that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, but it starts with choices. Discuss how early use increases the risk of addiction.

Activity: Myth vs. Fact

  • Many beliefs about drugs aren't true.
  • Let's test your knowledge!
  • Work in groups to decide if statements are 'Myth' or 'Fact'.

Introduce the 'Myth vs. Fact' activity. Explain that many misconceptions exist, and this activity will help them sort through common beliefs.

Your Choices, Your Future

  • You have the power to make informed decisions.
  • Understanding the facts protects your health and future.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help or talk to a trusted adult if you or someone you know is struggling.

Conclude by reiterating the main message: knowledge is power, and their choices shape their future. Encourage them to be advocates for their own health.

Reflect & Connect

Complete the 'My Choice, My Future' cool-down.

What's one commitment you're making to your health and well-being after today's lesson?

Explain the cool-down is a personal reflection. Collect these as an informal assessment of their understanding and personal commitment.

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Script

Drug Awareness Script

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're diving into a really important topic: drug awareness. Before we get started, I want to hear from you. What's one thing you've heard about drugs, positive or negative? Just a quick thought, no right or wrong answers here. Turn to a partner and share for about 30 seconds each."


(Allow 1-2 minutes for partner sharing. Bring the class back together.)

Teacher: "Thanks for sharing! It's clear this is a topic with a lot of different ideas floating around. Today, our goal is to cut through some of the noise and get to the truth. We'll be looking at some real statistics and understanding how different substances can impact our lives, both now and in the future. My hope is that by the end of this lesson, you'll feel more empowered to make informed, healthy choices for yourselves."

(Transition to The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck - Slide 1-2)

Statistical Deep Dive & Discussion (15 minutes)

Teacher: "So, let's start by defining what we mean by 'drugs.' When we use this term, we're talking about substances that change how your body or mind works. This can include legal substances like alcohol, tobacco, and even some medications when misused, as well as illegal substances. Our focus today is on understanding the risks and impacts of drug misuse in general. It's a broad category, but the underlying message is about making safe and healthy decisions."

(Transition to The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck - Slide 3)

Teacher: "Now, let's look at some real numbers. These statistics come from recent surveys of high school students, just like you. I want you to pay attention to these figures. What do they tell you about drug use among teenagers?"

(Present The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck - Slide 4: Quick Facts: Teen Drug Use)

Teacher: "Are any of these statistics surprising to you? Why or why not? What might be some reasons students your age choose to use these substances?"


(Allow 2-3 minutes for discussion, encouraging respectful sharing and active listening.)

Teacher: "It's important to understand not just if people are using drugs, but how these substances affect them. Let's talk about the immediate impacts – what happens right away when someone uses a drug."

(Present The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck - Slide 5: Immediate Impact)

Teacher: "Why do you think these short-term effects, like impaired judgment or slower reaction time, can be particularly dangerous? Can you think of any real-life situations where these effects could lead to serious consequences?"


(Allow 1-2 minutes for discussion.)

Teacher: "Beyond the immediate effects, there are significant long-term consequences that can impact your developing brain, your mental health, physical health, and even your academic and social life. Your brain is still growing and developing until your mid-20s, and drug use during these critical years can have lasting effects."

(Present The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck - Slide 6: Long-Term Effects)

Teacher: "Looking at these long-term effects, what are some of the biggest concerns you have for someone who regularly uses drugs? How might this affect their ability to achieve their goals or live a fulfilling life?"





(Allow 2-3 minutes for discussion.)

Teacher: "One of the most serious long-term effects we need to understand is addiction. It's not just a bad habit; it's a chronic disease that literally changes your brain. The younger someone starts using drugs, the higher their risk of developing an addiction because their brain is more vulnerable."

(Present The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck - Slide 7: Addiction)

Myth vs. Fact Activity (7 minutes)

Teacher: "Many beliefs about drugs aren't actually true, and it's easy to get confused with all the information out there. So, we're going to play a quick game: Myth vs. Fact! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will get a set of cards with statements about drugs. Your task is to discuss each statement and decide if it's a Myth or a Fact, and be ready to explain why you think so. You'll have about 5 minutes for this."

(Divide students into groups of 3-4 and distribute the Myth vs. Fact Activity Card Set. Present The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck - Slide 8)

(Circulate and monitor group discussions. After 5 minutes, bring the class back.)

Teacher: "Alright, let's quickly review a few. Who wants to share their thoughts on statement #1? Is it a myth or a fact?" (Go through 2-3 key statements, clarifying misconceptions as needed).


Conclusion & Cool-Down (3 minutes)

Teacher: "Great job with that activity, everyone. We've covered a lot today. Remember, you have the power to make informed decisions that impact your health and your future. Understanding the facts is your best defense against potential risks. It's okay to say no, and it's always okay to ask for help or talk to a trusted adult if you or someone you know is struggling."

(Present The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck - Slide 9)

Teacher: "To wrap up, I'd like you to take a moment to complete this cool-down activity, My Choice, My Future Cool Down. Think about one commitment you're making to your health and well-being after today's lesson. This is for you to reflect on what we've discussed and how it applies to your life."

(Distribute and collect the My Choice, My Future Cool Down as students complete it. Present The Truth About Drugs Slide Deck - Slide 10)

Teacher: "Thank you all for your active participation and thoughtful contributions today. Have a great rest of your day."

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Activity

Myth vs. Fact: Drug Awareness Challenge

Instructions: For each statement below, discuss with your group whether it is a MYTH or a FACT. Be prepared to explain your reasoning to the class.

Card 1

Statement: Vaping is just harmless water vapor and is much safer than traditional cigarettes.

MYTH or FACT?


Card 2

Statement: Marijuana is not addictive and doesn't cause any long-term health problems, especially if it's

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Cool Down

My Choice, My Future: A Drug Awareness Reflection

Instructions: Please answer the following questions honestly and thoughtfully. Your responses will help you reflect on today's lesson and your personal commitments.

  1. What is one new fact or piece of information you learned today that surprised you or made you think differently about drug use?





  2. Why is it important for teenagers like you to be informed about drug awareness?





  3. What is one personal commitment you are making to your health and well-being after today's lesson, related to drug awareness or healthy choices in general?










  4. If a friend were struggling with drug-related decisions, what's one way you would try to support them or help them find resources?










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