The Brain's Response To Artificial And Natural Highs

Spark important discussions with your students about brain development, making healthy choices, and staying true to themselves. The Brain’s Response to Natural and Artificial Highs is a 3-part video series that brings neuroscience into the classroom like never before. Teach kids how drugs rewire their brains, leading them to give up their passions, disconnect from friends and interests, and lose their individuality.

  • Step 1 Watch A Natural High Video
  • Step 2 Discuss Together As A Group
  • Step 3 Go Deeper Through Fun Activities
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The playlist includes:

The Science of Joy – Exploring Dopamine and Natural Highs: Video #1, The Dark Side of Highs – Unmasking Artificial Rewards: Video #2, Choosing Wisely – Navigating the World of Natural and Artificial Highs: Video #3,
Dopamine’s Role in Natural Highs

The Science of Joy – Exploring Dopamine and Natural Highs: Video #1

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:

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Question #1

What are some fun activities or experiences that can trigger the release of dopamine in our brains? Can you share an example of an activity in your life where this reinforcement might have led to positive or negative habits?

Question #2

The video discusses the balance between the brain's reward center and the prefrontal cortex when making decisions. How might understanding this balance help you in making choices about fun activities? How might understanding this balance help you in making choices about responsibilities like homework?

Question #3

The video mentioned that what you find most rewarding is what makes you uniquely you. Share something you enjoy doing, and explain how it makes you unique by reflecting on your personality or interests.

the dark side of artificial highs

The Dark Side of Highs – Unmasking Artificial Rewards: Video #2

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:

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Question #1

The video says drugs create an artificial dopamine "superhighway." What does this mean to you?

Question #2

What are some of the long-term consequences/lasting effects of using drugs? How do these consequences affect a person's future?

Question #3

How would you approach peer pressure or situations where drugs are offered to you or your friends? What strategies could you use to make a healthy choice in such situations?

choosing between natural and artificial high

Choosing Wisely – Navigating the World of Natural and Artificial Highs: Video #3

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:

Download PDF
Question #1

In the video, it's mentioned that drugs can push the natural things that make you happy way down your list. What are some things you love doing now that you’d never want to lose?

Question #2

How can understanding the risks of artificial highs help you and your peers make safer choices and lead to a more fulfilling life?

Question #3

Artificial highs can lead to addiction and isolation. How do you think nurturing natural highs and positive relationships can contribute to your health and happiness?

Take The Pledge