Young people don’t need lectures—they need trusted adults. This kickoff to "Becoming a Trusted Adult: Foundations for Effective Drug Education" shows why two-way, nonjudgmental, evidence-based conversations work better than scare tactics and “just say no.” You’ll get a clear overview of the course, learn the mindset shifts that build authentic, trusting relationships, clarify what we mean by “drug,” and see how a harm-reduction approach discourages use while helping young people stay safer. Leave ready to start open, honest conversations that protect the amazing adolescent mind.

This video explains why adolescence is a high-risk period for substance use, not only increasing risk for future addiction but also causing harms in other areas of life. These include physical, health related harms, academic harms, social-emotional harms and legal harms. By understanding these risks, you can provide clear, science-based guidance and encourage a young person to identify the real and perceived risks that matter to them.

This video explores why honest, science-based information (“know”) outperforms scare tactics or harsh punishments (“no”) when it comes to adolescent substance use prevention and intervention. You’ll learn how to create two-way, nonjudgmental conversations using a proven approach called motivational interviewing, which is grounded in acceptance, compassion, partnership and empowerment. You’ll get practical phrasing, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies that build trust and reduce harm.

Watch a realistic demonstration of motivational interviewing (MI) with an adolescent, showcasing OARS skills (open-ended questions, affirmation, reflective listening, summarizing), eliciting change talk, and responding to resistance. See how small shifts in language foster trust and help teens explore their own reasons for change.

This video shows how to support a young person who wants to cut down or quit—setting goals, planning for triggers, navigating withdrawal, and arranging support and follow-up. Learn how to balance harm reduction with cessation goals and connect students to resources.