​Day 1 Topics:

• The physiological and psychological effects of substance use on health, family and community, and the concept of disease.
  
• Arlington Public Schools disciplinary policy related to substance use and the potential ramifications of getting caught by the police.
• Brain development and substance use.
• Routes of administration and rates of absorption.
• Consequential thinking.
• Guest speaker: Arlington County Police Officer.

 

Day 2 Topics:

• Impact of tobacco, alcohol, and/or drugs on teens' lives, and the possible consequences of further involvement with substances.
• Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI).
  
• Drug classification of illegal drugs and over-the-counter medications.
  
• Concepts of drug synergism, cross-tolerance, and the risk of mixing drugs.
  
• Binge drinking (What is a standard drink? and the ABCs of Blood Alcohol Content).
• Continuum of use.
• All things vaping.
• Guest speakers: Commonwealth Attorney (for MS sessions); Project Peace - Healthy Relationships.

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Day 3 Topics:

• Personal values and behavior.
  
• Stress, defense mechanisms, and positive coping skills.
• Risk factors and goal-setting.
• Refusal skills and high-risk situations.
• Guest speaker: Commonwealth Attorney.

 

Note: The middle school session will cover this information in a condensed format.