Valuable Lessons Learned from Our School-Based Prevention Programs

HomeBlogValuable Lessons Learned from Our School-Based Prevention Programs

One of the school-based prevention programs we offer at REACH Council is the Too Good for Drugs curriculum, developed by the Mendez Foundation. This program is targeted at middle school students and taught in the classroom to give kids the education and resources they need to understand the risks of substance abuse.

Valuable Lessons Learned from Our School-Based Prevention Programs

In this blog, we’d like to discuss some key lessons that are taught in our school-based prevention programs and how they can impact students’ lives. Our programs are designed to give kids:

  • Better Understanding. Middle school kids can gain a thorough awareness of the negative consequences of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. The curriculum teaches students about how these substances affect their physical health, mental well-being, and future.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making Skills: Too Good for Drugs emphasizes the value of making informed decisions. Students learn to assess the benefits and drawbacks of their actions, consider potential consequences, and make choices that support their long-term well-being.
  • Developing Refusal Skills: This program, along with our other school-based prevention programs, teaches practical ways to resist peer pressure and say no to drugs and alcohol. Role-playing exercises and interactive activities allow students to practice these abilities in a secure environment, increasing their confidence in applying them in real-world circumstances.
  • Improved Communication Skills: Effective communication is another tool taught throughout our school-based prevention programs, as it is essential for sustaining healthy relationships and preventing misunderstandings. With the Too Good for Drugs program, middle schoolers improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills, which can lead to better interactions with peers, family, and teachers.
  • Emotional Health and Stress Management: This program also teaches students how to detect and control their emotions in healthy ways. This allows them to lean on these stress-management methods rather than use drugs or alcohol as an escape.