Student Support Services

Substance Use Prevention Campaign

October 2022

Week 1- What is Prevention?

The adolescent brain is rapidly developing and is more vulnerable to alcohol and drugs than adult brains, which increases young people’s chances of developing a substance use disorder. “What is Prevention” explains that prevention is about delaying the onset of first use, or pushing it back as long as possible in order to protect young brains.  

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sj78uJU0Pk 

Week 2- Age Matters

Research shows that 90% of people with a substance use disorder began using drugs and alcohol before the age of 18. In this video, teens will learn the importance of protecting their brain from substance use disorders by delaying the age of first use.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09OjMK3PHuU 

Week 3- Mind Your Genes

We often hear that addiction can run in families, and it has been shown that genetics account for 50% of a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction. However, the risk is also influenced by individual choices. Information is power. In this video, we learn how to mind our genes to avoid developing an addiction. 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgmHC6qlmzY

Week 4- 12 Things Parents Can do to Prevent Addiction

https://54817af5-b764-42ff-a7e2-97d6e4449c1a.usrfiles.com/ugd/54817a_6df3d51d6d624af384539494e59bbb57.pdf 

Video viewing in classrooms: Middle & High

Vaping: The Hit Your Brain Takes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aasKIDz9ZX4 

Addiction, Episode 1: The Hijacker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKjBKDdg6d4 

Addiction, Episode 2: Whirlpools of Risk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epc5JLKPMmw 

Addiction, Episode 3: Understanding Severity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyHVSNlwCtU 

Addiction, Episode 4: Don’t Wait for “Rock Bottom”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8-yObE0M_Q