FOR SCHOOLS

This program is tailored toward teen prevention for middle and high school students.  Through highly animated slide presentations, students will gain an understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms by which substances of abuse disrupt brain circuitry and why their teenage brain is uniquely susceptible to developing an addiction.  Students will understand why delaying the use of any substance of abuse will increase the likelihood that they will live an addiction-free quality of life. View Presentations

Our presentation takes the approach that everyone in our society has a role in reducing harm when we talk about substance use, addiction and overdose prevention. Our program leaves no child behind and avoids “just say no” or scare tactics which, evidence has shown, are ineffective. Our presentation is engaging and interactive, it inspires students to participate in the conversation and find their role to reduce the harms from substance use – whether of a friend, family member or their own. This is a harm-reduction based program.

Susceptibility to peer influence is an evolutionarily adaptive trait. However, during the phase of adolescent brain development, managing risky situations can pose difficulty for our teens. These workshops incorporate education on brain development, harm reduction, and utilizes the Botvin Life-skills Training modules where students can learn and practice skills that will enable them to become comfortable navigating through risky situations such as those exposing them to substances of abuse.