Drug Demand Reduction

Introduces Project ALERT to students, sets the tone for the program, and clarifies reasons why people do and don't use substances. 

Motivates students to resist substance use by having them identify immediate and later consequences of vaping and smoking nicotine and marijuana; and increases students' perceptions that using nicotine and marijuana impacts their daily lives and social relationships. 

Identifies reasons why people drink alcohol; demonstrates similarities between drinking and marijuana; presents how alcohol is used to cover feelings; discusses consequences of drinking; and brainstorms alternatives to drinking. 

Marks the transition into the skill-building section of the curriculum; helps students resist pressures to use drugs by identifying what the different pressures are and where they come from; and counters the belief that 'everyone uses' with up-to-date survey information indicating that most teenagers do not use substances. 

Provides the first example of the modeling - practice - feedback strategy used throughout the curriculum; identifies social pressures to use drugs; and teaches resistance skills and facilitates saying 'no' in social situations. 

Identifies internal pressures to use drugs; and students discuss and practice resistance techniques for internal and external pressures. 

Facilitates practice of resisting external pressures to use drugs; presents additional ways to resist pressure; and encourages students to openly express feelings of being capable of resisting internal pressures. 

Explains the safe, legal use of prescription opioids, and other prescription drugs, and explains how misuse can become addictive or life-threatening; presents information on brain functioning and how to promote brain health; and provides students with resistance skills and self-efficacy to refuse and resist the misuse of prescription drugs. 

Reinforces earlier lessons by reviewing resistance techniques and facilitating resistance practice; and introduces the concept of benefits from not using drugs. 

Identifies why it is hard to quit vaping/smoking; offers techniques for quitting and changing general behavior. 

Reviews and reinforces negative consequences of using drugs; motivates resistance by reviewing benefits of not using drugs; and elicits written commitments from students. 

Re-introduces Project ALERT; reviews consequences of nicotine, marijuana, alcohol; reviews the safe use of prescription medications and risks of misuse; and reviews sources of pressure. 

Reviews concept of external and internal pressures; and students prepare and act out pressure skits. 

udents prepare and act out pressure skits. 

Reviews the advantages of resistance and discusses how friends can help each other resist pressure. 

New England Patriots cornerback Myles Bryant lost his childhood friend to a fentanyl overdose. Now he is using the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" initiative to warn about the deadly drug killing tens of thousands of Americans per year. 

This is the eighth installment in a series of profiles featuring DEA special agents, diversion investigators, chemists, and more. Learn about the tough but fulfilling, fascinating, and vital work these DEA personnel do, as well as the many different ways to get involved in fighting drug misuse.

This week, hear from Senior Research Chemist Joe from the Special Operations Division. Joe assesses precursor viability, travels domestically and internationally to present his findings, and more.

This is the seventh installment in a series of profiles featuring DEA special agents, diversion investigators, chemists, and more. Learn about the tough but fulfilling, fascinating, and vital work these DEA personnel do, as well as the many different ways to get involved in fighting drug abuse.

This week, hear from Senior Examiner Laura from the Digital Evidence Lab. Laura spends her days getting into locked or broken mobile devices to recover evidence linked to drug crimes and handling exhibits to train her DEA colleagues.

Meet Fanny Ye, a collegiate associate professor of computer science and engineering and an associate director of applied analytics at the University of Notre Dame.

Professor Ye looks for similarities in posts and accounts across mainstream and illicit platforms to link and identify drug traffickers. Learn more about her work by viewing this video shown during Saturday's University of Pittsburgh vs. University of Notre Dame football game.

 This is the sixth installment in a series of profiles featuring DEA special agents, diversion investigators, chemists, and more. Learn about the tough but fulfilling, fascinating, and vital work these DEA personnel do, as well as the many different ways to get involved in fighting drug abuse.

This week, hear from Field Intelligence Manager Jennifer, who oversaw a team of intelligence analysts during the capture of Chapo Guzman (El Chapo). Jennifer explains how the Intelligence Division works with units across the agency, from Diversion and Enforcement to Community Outreach and Demand Reduction.

This is the fifth installment in a series of profiles featuring DEA special agents, diversion investigators, chemists, and more. Learn about the tough but fulfilling, fascinating, and vital work these DEA personnel do, as well as the many different ways to get involved in fighting drug abuse.

For our fifth profile, we will be interviewing Forensic Chemist Minh.

This is the fourth installment in a series of profiles featuring DEA special agents, diversion investigators, chemists, and more. Learn about the tough but fulfilling, fascinating, and vital work these DEA personnel do, as well as the many different ways to get involved in fighting drug abuse.

This week, hear from Special Agent Ben, who got to work with his wife in a joint DEA/FBI investigation to dismantle a drug-peddling prison gang. Ben has gained experience both in the field, as well as at DEA headquarters, where he currently assists the agency's Chief of Operations.

This is the third installment in a series of profiles featuring DEA special agents, diversion investigators, chemists, and more. Learn about the tough but fulfilling, fascinating, and vital work these DEA personnel do, as well as the many different ways to get involved in fighting drug abuse.

For our third profile, we will be interviewing Intelligence Analyst Joey.

This is the second installment in a series of profiles featuring DEA special agents, diversion investigators, chemists, and more. Learn about the tough but fulfilling, fascinating, and vital work these DEA personnel do, as well as the many different ways to get involved in fighting drug abuse.

Note: Some profiles will be anonymous, so as to protect the identity of agents in the field.

This is the first installment in a series of profiles featuring DEA special agents, diversion investigators, chemists, and more. Learn about the tough but fulfilling, fascinating, and vital work these DEA personnel do, as well as the many different ways to get involved in fighting drug abuse.

For our first profile, we will be interviewing Special Agent Dave.

And don't forget that parents can join the conversation with this family discussion starter. Additional information on the warning signs of prescription opioid misuse and a guide to prevention and intervention empower families to reach out. 

 August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. Take a moment to learn about naloxone – a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose – and share it with family members, students, or colleagues. It could save a life. 

 In our first episode, we lay the foundation for the entire season by exploring the paramount importance of building a bond with our kids. Our expert guest, Dr. Shefali, a renowned clinical psychologist, NYT best selling author, and advocate for conscious parenting, joins us to share profound insights on how relationships act as the best weapon in keeping our children safe. 

 Join hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy in part one of a insightful two-part Awkward Conversations episode. They engage in candid talks about body image, wellness, and the vital issue of drug misuse - topics that resonate with all teens, whether they're casual athletes, high school sports stars, or not in sports. Former Packers player Ryan Grant joins them to share personal experiences and insights on how supportive environments help youth resist negative influences, regardless of their athletic status. Donald Hooton Jr., president of the Taylor Hooton Foundation, sheds light on steroid misuse symptoms and mental health implications. 

 In part two of "Not Just a Game: Student Athletes & Opioids," our expert guest, Dr. Averill Sutchar, Founder of Physio Project HQ, brings his expertise in sports injuries and physical therapy to the discussion. We explore the reasons behind opioid misuse, particularly in the context of managing pain and injuries among young athletes.

In this heartfelt episode of Awkward Conversations, we embark on an emotional journey with Deborah as she shares her daughter Dana's struggle with substance misuse, which ultimately took her life. Deborah discusses the challenges she faced, including her desperate attempts to find treatments for her daughter. Joanna, Dana’s childhood friend and a senior prevention program manager at the DEA, also joins the conversation and provides valuable insights on recognizing signs of substance misuse.

The episode emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding substance misuse and mental health. Deborah bravely uses her experience to help others, advocating for overdose prevention and recovery support. She reminds parents that substance misuse can affect any family, urging them not to ignore any signs and to be actively engaged in their children's lives.

DEA Special Agent Timothy P. McMahon shares common ways that kids hide drugs in plain sight and what signs to look for with changes to personality, involvement, or money use. He discusses with the hosts tips on how to talk to your child about drugs and how to respond with love rather than anger if you discover your child is using drugs. This topic can be scary and overwhelming to parents but they need to remember the sooner you address it, the better. 

 In a world where early intervention can make all the difference, Episode 6 of our series, "No Time to Waste: Getting Help for Your Child's Drug Use," delves into the vital realm of preventing and addressing adolescent drug misuse. From recognizing the signs of drug misuse to navigating the myriad of resources available, this episode embarks on a journey of knowledge and compassion, equipping you with essential insights for both early detection and intervention. The episode emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding substance misuse and mental health. Deborah bravely uses her experience to help others, advocating for overdose prevention and recovery support. She reminds parents that substance misuse can affect any family, urging them not to ignore any signs and to be actively engaged in their children's lives.

 This episode is a comprehensive guide for parents and guardians, offering invaluable strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of young drivers. With a focus on proactive preparation, the hosts explore essential topics such as building smart pedestrian habits, refining driving skills, and addressing the unique challenges posed by adolescent brain development. From fostering open conversations about driving under the influence to utilizing technology and contracts to promote responsible behaviors, this episode empowers parents to guide their teen drivers through these potentially hazardous scenarios.