Wellness Collaborative Programs

Alcohol, Nicotine, Marijuana, and Other Drug Education

Our wellness-based program for middle and high school students is supported by the most current prevention research and uses strategies proven to be most effective in changing unhealthy attitudes and behavior and in reducing the risks associated with substance abuse. This includes a strong emphasis on social and emotional wellness, i.e., self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.

This intensive, discussion-based program is typically presented in regular class settings over multiple days, and includes the following topics:

  • Understanding the connection between stress and substance use/abuse.

  • Stress management & mindfulness techniques

  • Strengthening protective factors

  • Supporting and encouraging non-use

  • Mindful decision-making and refusal skills

  • Identifying support systems – how to help yourself

  • Intervention techniques – how to help others

  • Risk factors for abuse/dependency/addiction

  • Facts about alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and other drugs

  • Social, cultural, and environmental influences on teenage drug and alcohol use

  • Normative beliefs and misperceptions

  • Short- and long-term consequences of drug and alcohol use

  • Warning signs of abuse

  • Physical and psychological effects of use and abuse

The program is structured so that students are free to ask questions at any time which encourages discussion and deepens the learning. The content may vary slightly within each group to take advantage of students’ interests and curiosity.

Stress Management and Mindfulness Training

When self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills and mindful decision-making are taught to students, it not only helps them succeed in school, but in all areas of life. Studies show that kids who possess these skills are happier, more confident, and make better students, family members, friends, and workers. They are also less prone to substance abuse, depression, and violence. This is the basis of the stress management and mindfulness program.

During the program students will learn how to:

  • Develop awareness of the full range of feelings, both positive and negative

  • Understand how feelings affect thoughts, and how thoughts affect feelings

  • Identify how feelings are experienced physically

  • Identify stress and stressful situations

  • Use mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques to manage stress

  • Control impulses and handle difficult feelings constructively

  • Seek out adults and peers they trust to talk about their feelings

  • Set long- and short-term goals, and make thoughtful decisions

  • Calm down before bedtime, and get a good night’s sleep

  • Eat properly for physical and mental health

The sessions are highly interactive and experiential. They involve discussions, mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques. Students are encouraged to practice and integrate what they learn into all areas of their lives.

Parent, Faculty and Administrator Meetings

It’s important that the adults in the community have access to the same information and language regarding substance abuse prevention and social and emotional wellness that the students are receiving. The programs for parents, faculty and administrators focus on:

  • The importance of stress management and social emotional wellness as strategies for substance abuse prevention

  • Up-to-date information on alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and other drugs

  • Warning signs of use and abuse & Keeping kids safe and drug-free

  • Strengthening protective factors & Setting limits

  • How to talk to your children/students about alcohol and drugs