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Preventing addiction to toxic substances!!

This website brings together the main resources developed as part of the PATS project, which forms part of the Erasmus+ KA210-SCH programme. A collaborative initiative between institutions in Spain and Ireland dedicated to education and the prevention of substance misuse among young Europeans. Here you will find educational resources designed to empower teenagers, educators and families. An educational and training initiative that aims to address one of the main problems facing young Europeans in the classroom.

The Project

Materials

Inclusive, innovative, digital, accessible and relatable materials for young people.

Teaching staff

They can be delivered by secondary school teachers as well as by specialists and volunteers from rehabilitation organisations.

Versatility

Versatile materials that can be used at all kinds of events and in a wide range of settings: schools, conferences, meetings, workshops…

Objectives

Train secondary school teachers to address substance abuse prevention in the classroom.


To raise awareness among European high school students about the dangers of alcohol, drug, and tobacco addiction.

Promote inclusion, European values, and a healthy lifestyle. Use digital channels to effectively reach young people with prevention messages.

Addressing the EU Strategy on the Prevention of Drug Use and its Adverse Effects.

Results

1.Educational Guide on Substance Abuse Prevention for Secondary School Teachers

2.Educational module on the dangers of substance abuse for high school students.

3.A collection of educational and informative infographics on the prevention of substance abuse

4.A collection of classroom activities focused on preventing substance abuse

Targets

Secondary School Teachers.

Secondary School Students

Students' families and social environment

European educational community.

Educational Guide on Substance Abuse Prevention for Secondary School Teachers

The Guide provides:

  • Rigorous information on addiction and types of substances.
  • Risk and protective factors in the school environment.
  • Educational prevention strategies based on emotional and social learning.
  • Digital and interactive tools.
  • Classroom activities with an inclusive approach.

The Guide provides methodologies that ensure the participation of all students, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.

We promote healthy and responsible lifestyle habits, encouraging self-care and respect for the environment.

It incorporates ICT resources to address prevention in an engaging and effective way in the classroom.

It promotes the development of active citizenship, equality, solidarity, and respect for human rights.

Features of the Guide

Contents

  • Understanding addiction and toxic substances.
  • Physical, mental, social, and family consequences of substance use.
  • Myths and realities: debunking misconceptions.
  • Skills for saying NO: assertiveness and managing peer pressure.
  • Promoting mental health and emotional well-being.
  • Support resources and support networks.

How to Use This Guide

  • Plan dynamic and interactive sessions.
  • Incorporate the activities outlined in the Tutorial Action Plan.
  • Use infographics and digital resources as visual aids.
  • Encourage discussions, critical analysis, and collaborative projects.
  • Adapt the content to the students' context and needs.

Other materials

  • The project will also develop:
  • A training module for students.
  • A collection of educational infographics.
  • A collection of classroom activities.
  • A website with prevention resources.

Training Module

Dynamic and personalized learning

Our training module has been designed with a modular structure that allows for both self-directed learning and implementation in group settings led by educators or prevention professionals.

The content is presented progressively, beginning with basic information on the effects of different substances and moving on to more complex skills such as responsible decision-making, emotional management, and the development of protective social skills.

From this website, you can access the full content of the eight training modules designed for implementation in secondary school classrooms.

Ongoing assessment of learning

Each unit includes hands-on activities and assessments that allow young people to test their understanding and apply what they have learned to real-life situations. Immediate feedback reinforces learning and encourages continued participation in the program.

Training modules


1

Introduction to Addiction and Toxic Substances

2

Physical, psychological, and social effects of substance abuse

3

Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies

4

The influence of social pressure and how to resist it

5

Life skills. Responsible decision-making, self-esteem, emotional control

6

Healthy leisure and recreational activities

7

Safe and Responsible Use of Technology and Social Media

8

Life planning and long-term decision-making

The eight training modules are designed to be implemented either sequentially or independently

Educational Activities and Group Activities

Role-playing games and simulations

Activities where teenagers can practice assertive responses to peer pressure related to substance use, while developing social skills in a safe environment.

Structured discussions

Guided discussion activities on the myths and realities of drugs, designed to foster critical thinking and the ability to analyze potentially misleading information from the media or social circles.

Community projects

Initiatives in which young people design their own awareness campaigns, becoming active agents of prevention among their peers and developing a sense of social responsibility.

All of our activities are designed to be adaptable to different educational and community settings, with variations that take into account the cultural diversity found in European schools.

Infographics and Visual Materials

We have developed a comprehensive collection of infographics that present up-to-date data on consumption patterns and preventive strategies in visually appealing formats that are easy for teenagers to understand.

Each infographic has been designed in accordance with the principles of effective visual communication, inclusivity, and accessibility. We have used illustrations, icons, and color palettes specifically selected to capture young people’s attention, avoiding an alarmist tone while conveying accurate and relevant information.

All visual materials are available for download in high-resolution format, optimized for use in both digital settings and for printing and display in classrooms, youth centers, and community spaces.

Communication




Partners in this European educational project

ARO Association (Dr. Cristóbal Gangoso Aragón), Huelva (Spain)

For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to helping those suffering from addiction to any type of substance -including alcohol, cocaine, heroin, gambling, and emotional dependency-, as well as their immediate loved ones.

Templeogue College, Dublin (Ireland)

Secondary school. Characterised by a holistic approach to student education.

Nuevos Horizontes Association. Middle School, Huelva, (Spain)

An organization offering both formal and informal education aimed at helping vulnerable youth and adults.