Drug and Alcohol Prevention Workshop
Smart Choices, Bright Futures
Empower Your Teens With Our Drug and Alcohol Prevention Series
Despite America’s attempts to prevent teens from drinking underage and using drugs, we haven’t been very successful. The opioid epidemic has brought with it the high prevalence of fentanyl, otherwise known as America’s deadliest drug.
According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report, roughly 5.8 million Americans between the ages of 12 and 20 report current alcohol consumption!
Margaret has designed a UNIQUE, educational workshop that doesn’t scare teens away from using substances or tell them to “Just say no to drugs.” Instead, this workshop provides a safe space for teenagers to ask clarifying questions, learn about the side effects of different substances, understand the signs of overdose, and more. The workshop focuses on Harm Reduction, as it equips teenagers with skills to continue being social while staying safe.
(Check out the workshop breakdown below!)
Workshop Outline
Week 1: What is Addiction?
Teens will learn all about the brain impact, and short and long term effects of: Alcohol, Opioids, Cocaine, Fentanyl & Vaping. Students participate in a joyful game of Jeopardy to have extra fun and show off their memory of all they’ve learned!
Week 2: How Does Alcohol Affect The Body?
Teens will share ideas around why so many teenagers consume alcohol underage. They will be educated on and discuss the dangers of binge drinking, social drinking and different ways alcohol damages the body. Students will contemplate, describe and act out effective ways to decline alcohol in a way that minimizes peer judgment. They will learn the signs of alcohol dependence and understand what preventative steps to take if someone is in danger of developing an Alcohol Use Disorder. Teens play an exciting game of Jeopardy to share some laughs & test their knowledge!
Week 3: What is the Opioid Epidemic & How do Opioids Affect the Body?
Teens will take in information around what the Opioid Epidemic is and what led to the epidemic, including the destructive role that pharmaceutical companies played. They will learn the impact that opioids have on the body including painful symptoms of withdrawal. Students will learn the signs of opioid dependence and understand what preventative steps to take if someone is in danger of developing an opioid use disorder. Students end with a cheerful Jeopardy game on this important topic!
Week 4: How Does Vaping Affect the Body?
Teens will learn what makes vaping so dangerous and addictive. They will be informed of important data that suggests a pervasive increase in vaping addiction in the coming years. Students will learn how vaping affects the body, the signs of dependence and will understand what preventative steps to take if someone is in danger of developing a disorder. Teens compete against their peers through educational Jeopardy!
Week 5: What Makes Fentanyl Deadly & How Can We Know If It’s In A Vape?
Teens will take in information around what makes Fentanyl the most dangerous drug in America, how it affects the body, and why so many Americans are experiencing addiction. They will learn why vapes can be laced with Fentanyl and discover how to avoid this situation. Teens will become aware of the signs of addiction and understand what preventative steps to take if someone is in danger of developing a disorder. How do we end? With Jeopardy of course!
Week 6: How Can We Spot & Prevent an Overdose, & Consider How to be Social And Safe?
Teens will understand the signs of overdose and learn and practice how to administer Narcan. They will end this life-changing workshop through discussing practical techniques around how to stay safe while socializing with their peers!
Why is This Important?
1
People who consume alcohol before age 15 are SIX TIMES more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than adults who began drinking at age 21.
2
Counterfeit pills are rapidly increasing in number & are being marketed to teens. Teenagers are increasingly able to get pills from local drug dealers, who offer them on Snapchat or Instagram. Dealers even deliver the drugs straight to teens’ homes.
3
More than 1,500 kids under the age of 20 died from Fentanyl in 2021, and researchers are still collecting data.
Savannah, Parent
"My oldest son ran into trouble as a teen experimenting with drugs and alcohol. He made it through High School, but barely. I didn't want my youngest to experience the same thing so I enrolled him in the prevention workshop. I do think the education has hit home for him, and we openly talk about what he has learned. It's been a good experience."
Brad, Parent
"When did they stop teaching D.A.R.E. in schools? I realized that my daughter was not going to get the education in school, so I reached out to Ms. Teague. She has enjoyed the program, and has met some new friends along the way. All-in-all I am very impressed with the lessons."
Bryon, Student (15)
"I have learned a lot about the negative affects that drugs can have on someone. I do have some friends who have tried to get me to try them, and now that I know the risks, I'm pretty comfortable standing up for myself.
The other kids are pretty cool as well in the group. My mom signed me up originally, but now I look forward to the workshops."