Substance Abuse Prevention

Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

Environmental Influences: Analyze social and media influences on attitudes toward drug and alcohol use
Risk Assessment: Understand the connection between drug use, violence and other risky behaviors
Consequences: Understand the physical, emotional and psychological effects of drugs and alcohol
Support and Care: learn the physiology of addiction, path toward recovery, and how to lead by example
Responsible Decision-Making: Assess decisions based on values versus peer pressure

Here's how it works:

The Interface

ON THE REEL

An animated short introduces the theme-based, real life issues that adolescents face and characters who students can identify with. Each story provides thought-provoking questions about values, problem-solving, and personal growth.

BREAK IT DOWN

Replay portions of the animation that the YLA Team Leader uses to facilitate group analysis and discussion. This activity teaches students to identify problems, assess risk, draw conclusions, and communicate effectively.

WRITE TO THE POINT

Participants can express their individual views in an electronic journal to reinforce the lessons learned in prior sessions. Students use their critical thinking skills while strengthening their language and reasoning skills.

WE GOT GAME

Take the lesson to a physical plane, allowing students to act on the topic and to integrate the lesson experientially through role playing, digital projects, and challenge and puzzle games. Students learn to trust and work collaboratively in groups.

FINAL ANSWER

A TV-style quiz game that measures retetion without feeling like a test. It allows for evaluation and assessment on participants.

GLOSSARY

Provides definitions of unfamiliar words that appear throughout the text in the interface. This enables the exploration and use of new language.

HOT LINKS LIBRARY

Encourages further study of the topic by providing links to relevant content on the internet. Participants integrate history, geography, economics, and language arts into the Life Skills modules.