SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PORTAL
Engaging young people in learning more about commonly used drugs!
Using graphic novels, animated shorts, trivia, games, and more, we will show the impact of certain drugs on the developing brain and body. A perfect resource for young people (ages 12-18). Teachers and parents are also encouraged to use these resources to get the conversation started about drugs and keep it going! We'll be regularly updating content, adding more modules to continue to promote ongoing learning and engagement.
Use these to navigate to the area you're interested in!
Interactive Game
What's a great way to reinforce the potential outcomes of substance use? Play a game!
Play our 8-pixel Interactive Game Finals Week Frenzy! Players are taken on a day-by-day journey through the stress of Finals.
- Start by creating an avatar
- Then choose your own path
- You'll navigate through everyday situations and see what you'd do. Earn points for preparedness, wellness and reputation
- Learn and practice coping strategies along the way
Start your Finals Week Frenzy NOW!
Alcohol
While society tends to "normalize" alcohol use, it is still a drug and has real risks.
First, learn the science behind the drug, alcohol by walking through our interactive module. After you're done, you can follow several young middle and high school students as they navigate the impact of alcohol use among their friends and family. This engaging experience uses a graphic novel format where viewers will see text messages, social media posts and high school experiences to learn more about the potential consequences of alcohol abuse. Make sure you use the viewing guide to help guide reflection and conversation about the topics addressed in this graphic novel.
Opioids
What are opioids? How do they impact the brain and body? What is the difference between use and abuse? And what is being done to prevent opioid abuse?
Build your background knowledge on opioids by completing this interactive module.
Based on a true story, follow Alex through his journey from use to abuse to addiction.
This interactive graphic novel will follow Alex, a typical high school student as he experiences the devastating effects of prescription opioid abuse. Connect with the characters in this 30 minute on-line story experience as you learn more about the potential consequences of opioid use and the road to addiction. Use the viewing guide to help guide reflection and conversation about the important take-aways in this graphic novel.
Or watch the episodes here!
Episode 1:
The Beginning
Episode 2:
Experimenting
Episode 3:
Down The Path
Episode 4:
A Problem
Episode 5:
Too Late
Marijuana
What you SHOULD know about marijuana today.
These four, short (2-3 minute) animations illustrate important information that young people should know about marijuana today. These contemporary short stories address topics such as the potency of marijuana today, forms of use, the impact on the brain and body and well as the influences that are impacting use rates among young people.
Vaping
Do you agree or disagree with this statement: Marijuana is the same today as it was 30 years ago.
What might be a reason for the potency in marijuana to change so much over the years?
What are some concerns about the THC levels in vapes or dabs?
Edibles
What would you do if a friend asked you to try a marijuana edible with them?
What could be a reason you would use to say no if a friend asked you to try a marijuana edible?
Impact
In many states, marijuana is legal for those 21 and over. Do you think that using marijuana regularly will impact a person’s life? If so, how?
After seeing Leonard’s experience, and learning some of the potential short and long-term effects of marijuana use on young people, what might be some concerns Clyde has for his friend, Leonard?
Influences
What kinds of messages are young people today receiving about marijuana, and from where?
What influences do you feel are strongest for people your age?
What is a healthy coping skill you turn to when you are feeling stressed?
Addiction
Explore the regions and functions of the brain through exploring our interactive brain software.
Do you know which area of the brain is responsible for decision-making? Do you know how memories are created? Do you know which part of the brain controls involuntary movements such as breathing? Knowing more about how your brain works will allow you to better understand how drugs can impact its functioning.
Gain a better understanding of what addiction is and how it takes hold.
This 30-minute, interactive module is full information on the science of addiction and provides a great background information for understanding drug use and abuse.
What did you learn in the brain software?
Thank you to Reflection Software for collaborating with the
Candor Health Education team in the development of the
eLearning modules and videos.
