Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) / Mr. Hecht

DRIVING QUESTION: How can you as a Behavioral Health and Prevention Specialist educate middle school students on the consequences of and ways to avoid ATOD?

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Consequences of ATOD

Risky Behaviors

Alcohol use
Carrying a weapon
Bullying another person
Marijuana use
Binge drinking
Gang member
Cigarette use
(from the Youth Survey)

Personal Health Consequences

Drug Facts | NIDA for Teens

Drugs & Alcohol | Nemours Foundation

Avoiding ATOD

Techniques used in Alcohol, Tobacco, and Vaping Advertisements

• Celebrity Endorsements
• False Images
• Positive Spin
• ​Graphics & Animations

Protective Factors

• Having high personal integrity
• Performing community service (helping others)
• Having teachers recognize good work
• Having community adults to talk to (teachers, counselors, coaches, etc.)
• Participating in extracurricular activities (clubs, music, sports, religious groups, etc.)
• Having parents available to help

​Refusal Strategies

• Say NO clearly and confidently
• Keep saying NO
• Change the subject
• Make an excuse
• Delay your response
• Avoid the situation
• Suggest an alternative
• Blame an adult
• Use humor
• Walk away