Experiencing a "natural" high from sports, music, meditation, or just plain laughter, is one of the joys of human existence. This program describes the role of the brain's reward pathways and how neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins influence feelings of pleasure. It tackles the issue of using so-called "natural" drugs like marijuana and peyote. Too many teens think that because these drugs are plant based, they are safe, when in fact using these drugs may irreparably harm the teenage brain. Inside a neuroscientist's lab, viewers see how these drugs can cause a surge of dopamine and actually change the natural chemistry of the brain, causing toxicity, addiction, behavior changes, and memory loss. Case studies of real teens contrast the experiences of teens who have learned to experience "highs" from healthy pursuits versus recovering marijuana addicts to reinforce the message.
Includes:
video with interactive quiz, plus teacher’s resource book, student handouts and pre/post tests in digital format
Awards
Bronze Telly Award
Reviews
Highly Recommended This video is the antidote to all of the HRM videos on drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. If a young person knows not to drink alcohol, not to do drugs or smoke cigarettes, how can he or she cope or feel good about the world and themselves? Several students are interviewed and the activities that give them a “natural high,” or pleasure, are explored. The film shows animated brain sequences that explain the roles of dopamine, serotonin and endorphins in making the human body feel good. This sense of well-being is promoted as the best coping mechanism.
The so-called natural drugs; marijuana, peyote, etc. are discussed. Just because they are plants and grow naturally does not mean that they are safe and risk-free. Two doctors are interviewed as authorities adding the weight of current scientific research, and the seriousness of the subject.
HRM delivers the video with a current curriculum to lead discussions and engage students in the classroom, including an extensive bibliography with resources that are packaged in a 3-ring binder. The Teacher’s Resource Book is well done. The production of the video is professional and of high quality. But, it should be noted that some of the video clips are used in other HRM videos on substance abuse.
This particular video would be well matched with the other HRM Top Ten Myths About Alcohol and Drugs video, in a classroom setting.
This resource is highly recommended for school media centers.
- Kristin M. Jacobi, J. Eugene Smith Library, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT
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