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Objectives

To expose you to the concept of natural highs and how this frame of thinking can positively impact your personal life.

To provide ideas, resources, and lesson plans for you to educate your students on Natural Highs as a Substance Use Prevention method.

Inspire you to find your own creative way to incpororate the idea of natural highs into yur teaching.

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Natural High

  1. A euphoric or excited state not due to ingestion of drugs or other substances.
  2. Finding your passion.
  3. The feeling of accomplishment.

”For healthy development, it is crucial for young

people to find, access, and utilize their natural highs."

Synonyms: joy, euphoria, excitement, in the zone, focused,

Goal Setting Lesson

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Young Brains

Are WIRED to find Natural Highs.

But it is up to you to look for them!

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Unhealthy Natural Highs

Anytime a person uses only one coping skill, they become dependant on that single coping skill and could potentially develop an addiction.

  • Overeating
  • Excessive Screen Time
  • Excessive Sleeping
  • Excessive Exercise
  • Video Games
  • Self-Harm
  • Promiscuity/ Sex
  • Problem Gambling
  • Shopping

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naturalhigh.org/storyteller

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How do you find your Natural High?

1

Research

  • NaturalHigh.org
  • Ask others how they live a naturally high lifestyle
  • Watch Videos
  • Read “A Better High”

2

Experience

  • Take different classes, even if you are not sure if you will like it.
  • Try new things with friends.
  • Sign up for activities/ clubs

3

Practice

Experience that natural high every opportunity you get. You may have more than one Natural High or it may take a while to find the right one. All that matters is that you are putting time and effort into a natural high.

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A Better High

Dr. Matt Bellace

1. How to Get High Naturally.

2. Laughing, Smiling and Other Highs Better Than Cocaine.

3. Running, Surfing and Other Highs Better Than Weed.

4. Eating, Cooking and Other Highs Better Than Alcohol.

5. Helping, Listening and Other Highs Better Than Being Selfish.

6. Loving, Caring and Other Highs Better Than Hurting Yourself.

7. Unhealthy Natural Highs.

8. Creating Your Own Natural High.

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Family

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Helping Others

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Reading

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Jewelry Making & Art

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Cooking

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Teaching

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Exercise!

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Hiking

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Comedy & Laughter

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Hooks, Intros, Leads

Creative ways to start your writing

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What is the purpose of a good introduction?

  • Relate to the reader
  • Catch their attention
  • Set the tone
  • Road Map of paper
    • What you are writing
    • Why you are writing
    • How you will proceed

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Hook your reader!

Try a few different prompts to find the perfect introduction to your paper.

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My name is ______ and my Natural High is ______

Now you try… Write and intro for this essay title:

https://padlet.com/marissa_dobrez/NH

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Meet My Hero

One of my heroes is Kyle Maynard. Kyle was born with congenital amputation meaning, in his case, his limbs stop at the elbows and knees. For many people this would mean a life limited or a belief that they are not capable; but not for Kyle- he became a mixed martial artist and epic mountain climber- a feat that is unheard of for someone in his body. I think of him every time that voice in my head says “I can’t do that.” and then I challenge myself to try. For almost all of my life, I had figured I did not have enough musical experience or I was too old to learn a new instrument- especially one as complicated as the drums. Regardless, those terms were obstacles and it was up to me to decide to overcome them or decide to let them block me. Mirroring Kyle’s will to prevail through the disadvantages of life was ultimately what empowered me to pick up the sticks.

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My Influences

and supports….

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cli·ché

noun

a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

“A good speechwriter will steer clear of clichés.”

Synonyms: old saying, stockphrase, commonplace

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Creative Writing

Describe a day in the life of your favorite animal. Include details about its name, mood, family as well as morning, afternoon, and night activities.

Journal

of the Day

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Example:

“I get angry I play drums.”

“I get angry, so I play drums.”

“When I felt stressed drawing and boxing did not help.”

“When I felt stressed drawing nor boxing helped me feel better.”

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Zoning Out

What do you like to do to

zone out/ not think/ turn your brain off?

Journal

of the Day

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Natural High

  • The more you practice your natural high, the better you become at using it.
  • Natural Highs build useful skills
    • Goal Setting
    • Good Decision Making
    • Healthy Coping Skills
    • Healthy Connections w/ people
    • Stress Relief
    • Positive Self-Esteem

A natural High does not interfere with your brain's natural chemical balance.

Artificial High

  • The brain builds a tolerance to it.: The more a person uses, the less “high” they will feel.
  • Many dangerous side effects like:
    • Intoxication
    • Memory Loss
    • Brain Damage
    • Poor Decision Making
    • Addiction

Drugs can interfere with the bodies natural production of chemical messengers in the brain.

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“Zoning Out”

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“In the Zone”

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Share Out

Writing Share out: You need to write down 2-4 sentences of your writing that you would like to share with our class.

Show & Tell: Share a show and tell item related to your Natural High to share with our class during your presentation.

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Science Behind Natural Highs

  • Reasoned Action Approach
  • Social Norms Theory
  • Sparks Theory & 40 Developmental Assets
  • NIDA- 16 Prevention Principles

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Project Outline

  1. Introduce Natural Highs.
  2. Research Natural Highs: watch videos, read “A Better High”
  3. Students create presentation/ video/ essay.
  4. Peer Review & Editing.
  5. Present NH’s to classmates.
  6. Student feedback & reflections

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Who We Are: Boulder County

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SHAPE Presentation

I would like to spread the concept of Natural Highs: A euphoric or excited state not due to ingestion of drugs or other substances. Presentation would include the comparison of natural highs vs. artificial highs, examples of natural highs, and sharing resources.

1. Instructor will delineate the key differences between natural and artificial highs.

2. Participants will reflect, share, and experience natural highs during the session.

3. Instructor will share local and national resources for educators to utilize inside and outside of the classroom. Participants will investigate resources and discuss the utilization of resources in their respective learning environments.

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tinyurl.com/dobrez