Educated Doses is a developmentally structured, evidence-informed substance use prevention program for students in grades 5–12, focused on reducing youth use of tobacco, vaping, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and other substances.
“To empower youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed, healthy decisions and prevent substance use through engaging, science-based education.”
Educated Doses is a developmentally structured, evidence-informed substance use prevention program for students in grades 5–12, focused on reducing youth use of tobacco, vaping, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and other substances.
The science is clear: early, evidence-based prevention education makes a measurable difference in the lives of young people.
Our comprehensive curriculum covers eight core topic areas, each designed to be age-appropriate, engaging, and grounded in the latest prevention science.
Understanding the science of nicotine addiction, the dangers of smoking and smokeless tobacco, and strategies for refusal.
Debunking myths about vaping, understanding the chemical risks, and recognizing marketing tactics targeting youth.
Exploring how alcohol affects the developing brain, the risks of underage drinking, and healthy coping alternatives.
Science-based education on cannabis effects on the adolescent brain, mental health connections, and risk factors.
Understanding the opioid crisis, safe medication use, overdose recognition, and the path from prescription to addiction.
Core neuroscience literacy: how the adolescent brain develops, why it's vulnerable, and how substances hijack the reward system.
Practical skill-building for saying no, navigating peer pressure, and making confident, healthy choices in real situations. ▼
Connecting substance use prevention with mental health awareness, stress management, and emotional regulation skills.
Explore the three key brain regions that substances affect most. Click each region to learn how drugs and alcohol impact your developing brain.
Substances like alcohol and marijuana directly impair the prefrontal cortex, making it harder to think clearly, control impulses, and make good decisions — especially dangerous when this region is still developing.
Click on one of the three brain regions on the left to discover how substances affect that area of your developing brain.
Youth substance use remains a serious public health challenge. These statistics underscore why evidence-based prevention education is essential.
reported current tobacco/vaping use (2024, FDA)
Test your knowledge of brain science and substance use prevention. 6 questions — let’s see how you do!
Ready to empower your students with evidence-based prevention education? Reach out to learn how Educated Doses can work in your school or community.
Evidence-informed · SAMHSA-aligned · Grades 5–12
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