Lesson 1
What are “influences”
Factors or people that affect your choices and behavior.
What does refusal skill mean?
The ability to say no to drugs, alcohol, or unsafe situations.
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is a response to a challenge or pressure, while anxiety is ongoing worry or fear that may continue even without a current threat.
I can damage short-term memory, lower motivation, and affect judgment. Heavy teen use may even lower IQ. Who am I?
Marijuana
What percentage of Florida high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days?
10%
What is one reason teens may feel pressure to use drugs or alcohol?
Peer pressure, stress, social media influence, wanting to fit in, curiosity, or family influence.
Why can unmanaged stress increase the risk of substance use?
Because some people use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism to temporarily escape stress or emotional pain.
I may contain heavy metals like lead and nickel, and many people mistakenly think I am harmless because of flavors and advertisements. Who am I?
Vaping / E-cigarettes
True or False: If a drug is legal, it is automatically safe.
False
What are the three main communication styles discussed in refusal skills lessons?
Passive, aggressive, and assertive.
What is a healthy coping strategy that helps reduce stress without harmful consequences?
Possible answers:
Just two salt-sized grains of me can be deadly.
Fentanyl
What powerful synthetic opioid can look like fake Xanax or Adderall pills and can kill with only two grains?
Fentanyl
What does assertive communication look like when refusing drugs or alcohol?
Clear, confident, respectful communication while standing up for yourself.
What is a coping mechanism, and why can some coping mechanisms become dangerous?
A coping mechanism is a way people deal with stress or emotions. Some become dangerous when they involve unhealthy behaviors like substance use or self-destructive habits.
I can damage a teen’s developing brain and liver.
Alcohol
Why are drugs and alcohol more dangerous for teens than adults?
Because teen brains are still developing and substances can permanently affect brain development.
Why is it important to practice refusal skills before being in a real-life situation?
Because pressure situations happen quickly, and practicing helps build confidence and quick decision-making.
What are warning signs that someone may be struggling emotionally or mentally?
Possible answers:
Doctors write a note for me, but sharing me with others is illegal and dangerous.
Prescription drugs