Our Prevention Strategy: Inspire, Engage, and Equip Teens

Positivity Works

We know — and science shows — that kids don’t respond to simply being told what not to do. The fact is, changing behavior in youth is not just about presenting the ‘risk’ and then threatening consequences. Youth respond best to a positive message delivered by peers and role models they admire. We have to give them a choice that is not just about avoiding a negative but choosing a positive.

Storytelling Changes Lives

At Natural High we believe in the power of storytelling to change lives.

Each day more research is coming out about the power of stories to impact the human brain. Why does this matter so much to us? Consider this — research shows that a fact delivered in a story is 22 times as likely to stick than a fact delivered by itself or among a list of facts. For a kid, faced with a choice of whether or not to try drugs, that moment of recall can mean the difference between death and life. You bet we’re going to try to get our stories in front of as many kids as we can!

When your child hears a story and relates to it, it means that they are better equipped to choose the right path when faced with difficult decisions themselves.

To Change Minds, You’ve Got To Change Culture

Kids look to each other and to their heroes to understand what’s cool. The culture that kids are immersed in determines a large part of how they live their lives and the choices that they make. Ask any good educator, advertiser, marketing guru, psychologist — culture is key.

So at Natural High we know that if you want to change youth behavior, you have to change culture. How do you do this?

You give kids something to aspire to. You engage their heroes. You make it cool to make positive choices. Access kids through their passions — reach them on the ballfield, or at the concert, or through their favorite apps. Deliver the message through the people in those spaces that they look up to the most.

It’s Never Too Early To Start The Conversation

Let’s face it — talking to your kids about drug and alcohol abuse is hard to do. However, it’s vital that you start the conversation early. Why? Because according to Columbia University teen drug use is the number one public health problem in America, and 13 is the average age that kids try an illegal substance for the first time. Not only that, youth that start drinking or using drugs at an early age are 8 times more likely to develop an addiction.

It’s important that parents and educators know the facts about teen use. 1 in 6 high school teens binge drink, or about 16 percent. But only 1 percent of parents believe that their kids binge drink.

So the time to start is sooner than you think. Our recommendation — parents in America should introduce drug and alcohol prevention education no later than 6th grade.

Delaying First Time Use Makes All The Difference

There’s a chance that even with all the education and support you offer them, your child may try drugs or alcohol.

One of the keys is to delay that first time use for as long as possible. Research shows that if first time use in youth is delayed by 12-24 months, the likelihood of addiction drops dramatically. Youth are seven times more likely to become addicted if they try drugs before age 21.

Layering Protective Measures Builds a Stronger Defense

As a drug abuse prevention non-profit organization, at Natural High we know that it is not any one thing but rather a combination of factors that ultimately leads young people to have the courage to avoid drug and alcohol abuse.

Our curriculum focuses on these protective factors, giving young people a well-rounded skill set that is rooted in the latest research on drug prevention.

Our activities and discussions focus on helping young people find their natural high, surround themselves with positive peer influence, believe in themselves, set goals, cultivate strong mentor relationships, and develop resilience.

Peer influence and the power of social cultural influencers dramatically influences youth behavior. At Natural High, we speak to youth through powerful storytellers who they can relate to. We empower youth through social norming to understand that many cultural icons, as well as their peers, choose their Natural High over drug and alcohol abuse.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Natural High taps into the power of mentors to reach millions of youth and helps to accelerate and strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. We know that youth who have caring, supportive relationships with adults and mentors are more likely to develop perseverance and motivation.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Our storytellers convey that abilities and talents can be developed through effort and persistence, and they motivate youth to learn and improve their skills. Youth who believe that they can achieve their goals through hard work are inspired to work harder. Natural High’s videos and supporting curriculum help teachers move youth towards a positive mindset.

Growth Mindset works, Carol Dweck⁹ • Grit – Angela Lee Duckworth, Psychologist At the University of Pennsylvania¹⁰

Youth who set goals learn to avoid taking poorly thought out short-term actions and develop a more positive and motivated outlook in life. Natural High arms teachers with science-based content to support the teaching of goal-setting strategies.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health • Grit – Angela Lee Duckworth, Psychologist At the University of Pennsylvania¹⁰

The ability to rebound from a challenge or obstacle is key to a young person’s ability to thrive. Natural High’s storytellers share their personal stories of challenge and triumph that demonstrate the power of resiliency⁸.

Brene Brown