The Impact of Alcohol and Marijuana on Mental Health Lesson Plan

Summary:

The Ask, Listen, Learn video series and supplemental lesson plans have been designed to teach kids about the negative impact that alcohol and marijuana have on their developing brains, the consequences of underage drinking and underage marijuana use, and how to make healthy decisions. In this 9th installment, the curriculum focuses on adolescent mental health, positive and negative strategies for coping with mental health challenges, and how alcohol and marijuana can negatively impact the developing brain and mental health. Although this lesson is designed to be part of the existing series, educators may choose to use it as a stand-alone unit. Before getting started, be sure to read the Ask, Listen, Learn Mental Health Educator Guide and view the Ask, Listen, Learn Facilitator Guide.

Materials:

• Video: The Impact of Alcohol and Marijuana on Mental Health (YouTube)
• Mental Health Comprehension Questions (Handout)
• Mental Health Vocabulary Cards (Handout)
• Mental Health Vocabulary Sheet (Handout)
• Your Healthy Coping Strategy Toolbox (Handout)

Objectives:

1. Describe what mental health is and how it relates to
   adolescent brain development by answering and discussing
   comprehension questions after watching a video.
2. Explain how alcohol and marijuana can negatively impact
   the developing brain and adolescent mental health by
   participating in a classroom discussion.
3. Identify and evaluate strategies for coping with mental health
   challenges. Create a personalized guide to use during stressful
   situations.
4. Understand when to seek help from a trusted adult when
   dealing with mental health challenges by creating a list of
   situations that might be overwhelming.