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How Did This Happen To Me?

This is an introductory three-session alcohol, tobacco, and other-drug prevention (ATOD) curriculum based on a series of three educational videos our founder, Chuck Johnson, produced.

This program focuses on how someone becomes an addict, the science behind addiction, and the 18 telltale signs of addiction. There are add-on modules available for education on topics such as:

  1. Fentanyl: Why Now?

  2. Refusal Skills & Role Playing

  3. Guide to Rehab

  4. Home Experiments

Learning Objectives

  • 01 Students will explain why some people get addicted and others do not
  • 02 Students will learn the latest scientific discoveries about addiction
  • 03 Students will learn about genetic predisposition
  • 04 Students will learn about activities that naturally give them pleasure
  • 05 Students will learn the science behind alcohol & nicotine addiction
  • 06 Students will explain why the early use of nicotine, drugs, and alcohol is a strong addiction risk factor
  • 07 Students will describe why pursuing healthy, meaningful activities is important
  • 08 Students will identify the signs that addiction is developing in someone’s life
  • 09 Students will understand the odds of developing addiction and its consequences
  • 10 Students will gain knowledge regarding treatment and recovery
  • 11 Students will learn about nicotine and vaping consequences
  • 12 Students will reflect on their experience of craving awareness in the Craving Experiment

"How Did This Happen To Me?" Curriculum

Program Session at-a-glance v.1

Session #1

How did this happen to me?

  • Student Pre-Program Survey

  • Why Some People Become Addicted & Others Don't

  • "The Craving Experiment"

  • Addiction = Loss of Control

  • The Pleasure System Model

Session #2

What science has discovered

  • The Chemistry of Addiction

  • Risk Factors: Genetic, Environmental & Early Use

  • Who Has a Higher Probability of Becoming Addicted?

Session #3

What are the signs of addiction?

  • 18 Telltale Signs of Addiction

  • When to Talk to Friends & Family Who Exhibit These Signs?

  • Can Addiction be Treated Successfully?

  • Student Post-Program Survey

Nuggets Video

  • An animation that succinctly and elegantly sums up the addictive cycle:

  • Neuroadaptation

  • Tolerance

  • Withdrawal

Vaping Video

  • An animation by UCLA medical school on the dangers of vaping and nicotine on the adolescent brain

  • Big Tobacco's Manipulation of Teens

  • Chemicals in E-Liquids

  • Vaping Resources Listings

Home Experiments

  • Hot & Cold Brain Experiment

  • Neuroadaptation, Tolerance & Withdrawal on Display

  • Brain Highways Experiment

  • Why is the early use of a drug such a crucial risk factor for the teen brain?

  • Why is doing healthy activities like sports so important during teens?

A young man with a grey beanie and denim jacket smiles while looking to the side, with a brick wall behind him.

How Did This Happen To Me?

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