This unit establishes a personal perception of risk (it could happen to me – my choices determine whether or not it happens). Participants learn about risks that they can control and risks that they cannot control. This unit present a new way of thinking about, and preventing, alcohol and drug problems. It explores common views about the causes of alcohol problems, research that casts doubt on these common views, and the new view of alcoholism and impairment problems supported by research. Participants explore the things in life that are most important to them, and learn how their choices either protect or jeopardize those things.

The Five Steps to Risk Reduction teach participants how to estimate their biological risk (risks they cannot change), and based on that risk, what behaviors are low risk – both now and for the future. Students learn specific, individualized, research-based, age-appropriate quantity and frequency guidelines for alcohol use that reduce risk for all alcohol-related problems.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug, and public debate has often left young people confused about the risks. This unit makes the risks real and directly addresses the misinformation being disseminated by pro-use groups. This unit also presents a simplified overview of brain chemistry and how drug use affects this delicate balance, which often leads to a variety of problems. An optional section on cocaine extends the impact of the curriculum.

Progression into alcoholism or drug dependence is not automatic. The self-assessment process in this unit teaches people what phase of use they are in. Content is presented in a way that participants “see” themselves which helps interrupt progression for people who have not developed alcoholism or drug dependence and prevents further deterioration for people who have.

Individual and group activities provide the opportunity to apply what has been learned, obtain support from others and prepare for personal change. Participants clearly identify ways that their choices have been either jeopardizing or protecting the most important things in their lives.

Individual and group activities guide participants in developing a plan that helps them follow through with their commitment to making low-risk choices.

Individual and group activities guide participants in understanding how they can avoid having future alcohol/drug problems by committing to their phase adjusted guidelines, and work to motivate participants to seek help through AA/NA, and/or other support services, and/or alcohol/drug treatment.