Saying No to Alcohol, Nicotine, and Drugs
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can explain the benefits of refusing alcohol, nicotine, and drugs.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
TED-Ed · 5:43Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by TED-Ed on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
When someone repeatedly uses an addictive substance, their brain may develop a tolerance, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
- 2
Addictive substances exploit the brain's reward pathway by altering the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens.
- 3
Factors such as trauma, mental health conditions, and substance use before age 18 can increase a person's susceptibility to substance use disorder.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
5 questions
What is the term used to describe when someone needs more of a substance to get the same effect?
Describe how addictive substances affect the brain's reward pathway.
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Name three negative effects that alcohol, nicotine, or drugs can have on the brain and body, as explained in the video.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson
