This Is NOT About Drugs (TINAD) is an educational program designed for students in grades 6–12 that addresses youth substance misuse with a special focus on prescription opioids. Through engaging discussions and age-appropriate lessons, students learn how to recognize risks, make informed choices, and build the confidence to resist peer pressure.
The program supports healthy decision-making while reinforcing many of the prevention concepts already taught through evidence-based health education programs.
Despite its name, This Is NOT About Drugs (TINAD) is about much more than substance misuse. The program helps students understand how everyday decisions, healthy relationships, and positive coping skills all play an important role in preventing substance use before it begins.
Using real-world examples and interactive discussions, TINAD encourages students to think critically, ask questions, and make choices that support their long-term health and well-being.
TINAD focuses on important topics that help students build knowledge and confidence, including:
The program encourages students to think beyond the immediate situation and consider how today’s choices can affect their future.
This Is NOT About Drugs is designed for:
The program can be delivered in a traditional classroom or in smaller group settings, making it flexible for a variety of learning environments.
TINAD complements many widely used prevention and health education programs, including Botvin LifeSkills Training and Too Good for Drugs. It reinforces positive decision-making while providing additional education about prescription opioids and substance misuse.
By working alongside existing prevention efforts, the program helps strengthen students’ understanding of healthy behaviors and encourages lifelong decision-making skills.
Today’s young people face many influences that can shape their decisions. Providing accurate information, practical life skills, and opportunities for open discussion helps students make informed choices before they encounter difficult situations.
This Is NOT About Drugs empowers students to build confidence, resist unhealthy influences, and recognize that healthy choices create stronger futures for themselves and their communities.
Morgan County Substance Abuse Council proudly offers This Is NOT About Drugs (TINAD) to schools and youth organizations throughout Morgan County. Our team works with educators and community leaders to provide engaging, evidence-informed education that supports student success.
Contact MCSAC today to schedule a TINAD presentation for your school or youth organization.