Actividad de Inicio: Verificación de Hechos sobre Drogas

Instrucciones: Lee cada afirmación a continuación. Marca "Verdadero" si la afirmación es un hecho, y "Falso" si la afirmación es un mito.

1. La nicotina solo es dañina si fumas cigarrillos tradicionales.
   Verdadero / Falso
   
   
   
2. La marihuana no es adictiva porque es una planta.
   Verdadero / Falso
   
   
   
3. El alcohol solo afecta a los adultos; tiene poco impacto en el desarrollo cerebral de los adolescentes.
   Verdadero / Falso
   
   
   
4. Los medicamentos recetados son seguros de usar si le fueron recetados a otra persona.
   Verdadero / Falso
   
   
   
5. Vapear es una alternativa inofensiva a fumar y te ayuda a dejar el tabaco.
   Verdadero / Falso
   
   
   
6. El cerebro adolescente es más vulnerable a la adicción que el cerebro de un adulto.
   Verdadero / Falso
   
   
   

Activity: Ripple Effect Scenario Cards

Instructions: In your small groups, read the scenario provided. Discuss the questions below and be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.

Scenario 1: The Party Invitation

Your best friend invites you to a party on Friday night. They mention that there will be alcohol and some people might be smoking weed. Your parents think you're going to a movie with a different group of friends. You're worried about missing out, but you also know your friend often makes impulsive decisions when they drink.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the immediate choices you can make in this situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What are the potential short-term consequences (positive and negative) of each choice?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What are the potential long-term consequences if you consistently make similar choices?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What strategies could you use to navigate this situation while staying true to your values and protecting your well-being?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: Stress and Study Drugs

Final exams are approaching, and you're feeling incredibly stressed. A classmate, who always seems calm and gets good grades, offers you a pill, saying, "This will help you focus and study all night. Everyone uses them for exams." You know using unprescribed drugs can be dangerous, but the pressure to do well is intense.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the immediate choices you can make in this situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What are the potential short-term consequences (positive and negative) of each choice?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What are the potential long-term consequences if you consistently make similar choices?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What strategies could you use to manage exam stress without resorting to unprescribed drugs?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: Vaping in the Bathroom

During a break between classes, you walk into the school bathroom and see a group of students you know from your class vaping. They offer you a puff, saying, "Come on, everyone does it. It's just flavored vapor, no big deal." You've heard about the health risks of vaping, but you also feel pressured to fit in and not seem

Your Choices, Your Future Script

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

(Slide 1: Your Choices, Your Future)

"Good morning/afternoon everyone! Welcome to today's session, 'Your Choices, Your Future.' Today, we're going to have an important discussion about substance use and how the decisions you make can truly shape your life, health, and future. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make informed choices. To kick things off, let's test our knowledge with a quick warm-up activity."

(Slide 2: Warm-Up: Drug Fact Check)

"I'm handing out a sheet called 'Warm-Up: Drug Fact Check'. Your task is to read each statement and decide if it's a 'Fact' – meaning it's true – or a 'Myth' – meaning it's false. Take about 2-3 minutes to complete this individually. Don't worry if you're not sure about every answer; this is just to get us thinking!"

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to complete the warm-up.)

"Alright, let's go over these together. Who would like to share their answer for statement number one: 'Nicotine is only harmful if you smoke traditional cigarettes.' True or False? Why?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion for each statement, clarifying misconceptions and providing correct information. Refer to the Answer Key: Drug Fact Check if needed, though this is not yet created, it should be a consideration for the final materials).

Understanding the Impact (10 minutes)

(Slide 3: The Impact: Brain and Body)

"Thank you for participating in the warm-up! Now, let's dive into the science behind substance use and its very real impact on your developing brain and body. Your brain is still undergoing significant development during your teenage years, which makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of substances."

"Let's look at some common substances. First, Alcohol. Who can tell me one thing they know about how alcohol affects someone?"

(Allow students to share. Guide the discussion to cover key points on the slide: impaired judgment, coordination, memory, and long-term damage.)

"Next, Nicotine and Vaping. What are some common misconceptions you've heard about vaping, or what do you know about its effects?"

(Discuss addiction, lung development, and brain chemistry.)

"How about Cannabis, also known as Marijuana? What have you heard about its effects?"

(Address memory, learning, attention, mental health, and lung function.)

"Finally, Opioids. These are powerful pain relievers. What makes them particularly dangerous?"

(Highlight high addiction risk, overdose potential, slowed breathing, and severe withdrawal.)

"It's important to remember that these are just some of the substances, and each one carries significant risks, especially during your critical developmental years. Does anyone have any questions about these impacts?"

Activity: The Ripple Effect (10 minutes)

(Slide 4: Activity: The Ripple Effect)

"We've talked about the impacts, but how do these decisions play out in real life? Our next activity is called 'The Ripple Effect.' Think about a pebble dropped into a pond; the ripples spread out and affect the entire surface. Your choices about substance use can have a similar effect, impacting not just you, but also your friends, family, and community."

"I'm going to divide you into small groups of 3-4 students. Each group will receive a set of 'Activity: Ripple Effect Scenario Cards'. Each card presents a realistic scenario related to substance use. Your group's task is to read the scenario and then discuss the questions on the card."

"Specifically, you'll need to:

• Identify the immediate choices available.
• Brainstorm the potential short-term and long-term consequences of those choices.
• And, most importantly, develop strategies for making healthy decisions in that situation."

"You'll have about 5-7 minutes for your group discussions. Then, we'll come back together as a class, and a few groups will share their scenarios and the outcomes you discussed. Let's get into our groups and start thinking about these ripples!"

(Circulate among groups, providing guidance and facilitating discussion as needed.)

"Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. Who would like to share their scenario and some of the consequences and strategies your group discussed?"

(Facilitate sharing from 2-3 groups. Encourage classmates to add to the discussion.)

Conclusion & Cool-Down (5 minutes)

(Slide 5: Your Future, Your Choices)

"Excellent discussions, everyone. It's clear you're all thinking critically about these situations. Let's quickly recap our key takeaways from today."

"Remember, every decision you make about substance use creates a ripple effect. But the good news is, you have control over those ripples."

"Knowledge is Power: The more you understand the risks and impacts, the more empowered you are to make choices that protect you."

"Strategies for Success: We practiced developing skills to navigate peer pressure and challenging situations. These skills are invaluable."

"And finally, Seek Support: Always remember that if you or a friend are struggling, there are people who care and resources available to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted adult, school counselor, or family member."

"Your future is incredibly bright, and choosing to protect your well-being is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that future unfolds exactly as you hope."

(Slide 6: Cool-Down: One Word Reflection)

"To close out our lesson, I'd like to do a quick 'One Word Reflection.' I want each of you to think about today's lesson – what we discussed, what you learned, how you feel – and come up with just ONE word that captures your biggest takeaway or feeling. You can write it down on a piece of paper, or just hold it in your mind. If you feel comfortable, we'll share a few aloud."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for reflection. Ask for volunteers to share their words, or collect slips if preferred.)

"Thank you all again for your thoughtful participation today. Your engagement makes these important conversations truly meaningful. Have a great rest of your day!"

Cool-Down: One Word Reflection

Instructions: Think about today's lesson on "Your Choices, Your Future." In the space below, write ONE WORD that summarizes your biggest takeaway, a new feeling, or something important you learned.

(Optional: Share your word with a classmate or the class.)

Answer Key: Drug Fact Check

1. Nicotine is only harmful if you smoke traditional cigarettes.
   False. Nicotine is harmful in any form (cigarettes, vapes, smokeless tobacco) because it is highly addictive and negatively impacts brain development, especially in teenagers. Vaping products often contain high concentrations of nicotine.

2. Marijuana is not addictive because it is a plant.
   False. Marijuana can be addictive. Approximately 1 in 11 people who use marijuana become addicted, and this risk increases to 1 in 6 for those who start using it as teenagers. Addiction means you can't stop using the drug even if it causes health or social problems.

3. Alcohol only affects adults; it has little impact on teenage brain development.
   False. The teenage brain is still developing until the mid-20s. Alcohol use during this critical period can disrupt brain development, impair memory and learning, and increase the risk of alcohol dependence later in life.

4. Prescription drugs are safe to use if they are prescribed to someone else.
   False. Prescription drugs are only safe when used by the person for whom they were prescribed, and exactly as directed by a doctor. Using someone else's prescription drugs, or using your own in a way not prescribed, can be extremely dangerous, lead to addiction, overdose, or other severe health issues.

5. Vaping is a harmless alternative to smoking and helps you quit tobacco.
   False. Vaping is not harmless. E-cigarettes contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can cause lung damage, addiction, and other health problems. There is limited evidence that vaping helps people quit traditional cigarettes, and many young people who vape end up using other tobacco products.

6. The teenage brain is more vulnerable to addiction than an adult brain.
   True. Because the teenage brain is still developing, especially the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control, it is more susceptible to the addictive properties of drugs. Exposure to drugs during adolescence can create stronger, more lasting addictive patterns.

Activity: Ripple Effect Scenario Cards

Instructions: In your small groups, read the scenario provided. Discuss the questions below and be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.

Scenario 1: The Party Invitation

Your best friend invites you to a party on Friday night. They mention that there will be alcohol and some people might be smoking weed. Your parents think you're going to a movie with a different group of friends. You're worried about missing out, but you also know your friend often makes impulsive decisions when they drink.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the immediate choices you can make in this situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What are the potential short-term consequences (positive and negative) of each choice?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What are the potential long-term consequences if you consistently make similar choices?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What strategies could you use to navigate this situation while staying true to your values and protecting your well-being?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: Stress and Study Drugs

Final exams are approaching, and you're feeling incredibly stressed. A classmate, who always seems calm and gets good grades, offers you a pill, saying, "This will help you focus and study all night. Everyone uses them for exams." You know using unprescribed drugs can be dangerous, but the pressure to do well is intense.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the immediate choices you can make in this situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What are the potential short-term consequences (positive and negative) of each choice?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What are the potential long-term consequences if you consistently make similar choices?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What strategies could you use to manage exam stress without resorting to unprescribed drugs?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: Vaping in the Bathroom

During a break between classes, you walk into the school bathroom and see a group of students you know from your class vaping. They offer you a puff, saying, "Come on, everyone does it. It's just flavored vapor, no big deal." You've heard about the health risks of vaping, but you also feel pressured to fit in and not seem