Red Ribbon Week OCTOBER…2015 Presented by: Ms.Wooten

HISTORY OF RED RIBBION WEEK

Facts and Myths About Drugs… What do you know?

Alcohol is a stimulant. True or False?

FALSE! Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol depresses the brain and impairs decision making skills, coordination, motor functioning, and other body functions.

Alcohol is an effective way to help me relax and reduce my stress level. True or false?

FALSE! Alcohol increases the level of stress in your body. Adrenaline levels increase, and while at first it may feel relaxing, your body is actually under additional stress.

“I cannot become addicted to marijuana.” Is this a true statement?

Marijuana is mainly composed of THC, which stimulates the brain. This is responsible for the “high” experience, the main reason people continue to use marijuana, leading to an addiction. FALSE!

“I’m a student athlete, but smoking on the weekend, won’t affect my school performance or my athletic performance.” Is this true?

FALSE! Short term Effects?  Slows the process of learning and retaining new information  Affects the part of the brain responsible for timing, movement, and coordination Long Term Effects?  Light users can test positive in a drug test for one week. Heavy users will still have marijuana in their system for up to one month after their last use.  The IQ of students who regularly smoke decreases by up to 7 points.

Benefits of leading an alcohol and drug free life:  Now?  Higher academic achievement  Successful involvement in extra curricular activities, such as sports  Creating healthy habits and being a positive influence  In the future?  It is extremely difficult to attain a job with a DUI or drug history.  Maintaining a healthier lifestyle!

Now that you are aware of a few facts, make educated decisions when it comes to maximizing your future by avoiding becoming involved in drugs!

REALITY OF DRUGS

7 Ways to Say No TO Drugs  7 WAYS TO SAY NO TO DRUGS In groups, have students role play different ways to say no to drugs. They may use the 9 listed below or develop their own list. Afterward, discuss with the class when it’s easy to say no and when it’s challenging. Ask students to discuss why it’s imoprtant to decide in advance to say no to drugs. 1. No thanks – the easiest way but some forget!

Ways to Say No 2. Give a reason, fact, or excuse – “Dude, no way! My parents would ground me for life if I were caught doing that.” 3. Walk away – If someone brings alcohol or drugs to the party walk away and leave the situation. 4. Change the subject – “No thanks, man. But hey – did you hear about the upcoming Batman movie?” 5. Use humor – “No thanks, I need all the brain cells I can get!” 2. Give a reason, fact, or excuse – “Dude, no way! My parents would ground me for life if I were caught doing that.” 3. Walk away – If someone brings alcohol or drugs to the party walk away and leave the situation. 4. Change the subject – “No thanks, man. But hey – did you hear about the upcoming Batman movie?” 5. Use humor – “No thanks, I need all the brain cells I can get!”

Ways to Say No  6. Strength in numbers – One of your most important choices you can make is the choice of your friends. Choose to hang out with non-users. 7. Avoid the situation – If a situation becomes dangerous, leave immediately!

Discussion Questions

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RESOURCES