Prevention Programs

We provide evidence-based differentiated programs for middle and high school students, 5th through 12th grade, specialized programs, as well as faculty and parent workshops. For more information, read below.

We have also introduced our programming in Israel. For more information see our Israel Programming page.

Not IF, But WHEN...

Our evidence-based prevention education programs go beyond just information. Tailored for students in grades 5-12, each presentation is designed to align with their stage of social and emotional development. They're led by Jewish individuals who bring their lived experiences with addiction to create personal connections that leave a lasting impression. We help students understand the real risks of substance use and how to make healthier choices.

Middle School

Interactive discussion around decision-making and understanding healthy choices; exploring how to respond to stress and challenges; focus on mental health and wellness by developing resilience and coping skills

General introduction to the topic of substance use including understanding what is a “drug”, the basic science of addiction, the impact of substances on the brain, and exploring refusal skills through interactive role-playing scenarios

Deeper dive into brain development, the science

of addiction and understanding the risks of substance use; facts around substances commonly encountered and their effects on brain/body; exploring healthy coping skills, protective factors in preventing addiction,

and knowing where to

turn for help

In-depth exploration

of substance use and how

to help a friend or oneself; discussions around stressors including transition to high school, dealing with change and possible peer pressure, and exploring self-care; practicing refusal skills with interactive role-playing scenarios

High School

Deeper dive into

the science of addiction

and brain development; the

facts and dangers around substances typically encountered

in high school; exploring common challenges for teens including transition to high school and peer pressure; discussions around the risks of use and employing healthy coping skills; recognizing when

someone needs help

and what to do

In-depth discussion regarding substances and effects of use, and what to do in an emergency; hands-on activities with “fatal vision goggles” that mimic the physical effects of impairment of alcohol and marijuana use

Understanding the

impact of process addictions

and the risk of developing a disorder; what to do in an emergency and how to help others; exploring practical tools for navigating peer pressure and making positive choices through interactive activities which encourage open dialogue

and discussion

Focus on post-high

school changes; discussion

aboutincreased independence, lack of parental supervision and more availability of substances; in-depth exploration of ways in which to exercise refusal skills and harm reduction; dialogue around taking responsibility for choices and behaviors; understanding

how to help yourself or

someone else

Specialized Programs

Middle School Only: Students explore how social media and gaming affects the brain, mental health, and relationships; they will learn how to stay safe online, handle cyberbullying, protect their privacy, and set healthy boundaries

Middle and High School:

Both programs focus, in an age-appropriate way, on understanding what constitutes gambling, and the risk of addiction; students will learn how to identify unhealthy behaviors, understand adverse effects, and make responsible choices

High School (males only):

In a safe environment, students will learn about how pornography influences emotional and mental health and learn to separate fact from fiction, build healthy boundaries, and manage emotions around this difficult topic

Faculty and Parents

In-person program

for faculty to understand

current drug trends among teenagers; how to recognize when

a child is struggling with substance use or mental health issues that might lead to substance use; utilizing skills and tools specific to school faculty and exploring information

and resources available to

support school staff; Narcan

kits are available to

participants

In-person program

for parents to hear from

someone with lived experience; understand current drug trends;

how to recognize when a child is struggling with substance use or mental health issues that might lead to substance use; ways to discuss substance use with our children; the importance of modeling behaviors; understanding

current resources and

support available

"I strongly and unqualifiedly recommend the CCSA initiative to any school working on preventing substance use and misuse."

Dr. Jerry Zeitchik, Ramaz Upper School

"We continue to be awed by the incredible efforts of CCSA-Ohel. The programs are constantly evolving and receive outstanding feedback."

Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, Yavneh Academy

"The programs are thoughtfully designed, building on the foundation from the previous year. Hearing from individuals who attended day schools reinforced that these challenges can affect anyone in any community."

Michal Twersky, Kohelet Middle School

"CCSA's presentations were engaging and impactful and their presenters were incredibly relatable. Their stories and the activities were particularly powerful."

Rabbi Moshe Adatto, SCY High School

"The entire CCSA program was one of the most impactful programs we have ever run in our school. Each of the speakers was well informed, articulate, relatable and empathic."

Ora Lee Kanner, Katz Yeshiva High

"The students were really taken by the presentations and many stayed after to ask questions. Parents and students left feeling educated and with permission to discuss topics with adults in their lives."

Rabbi Abba Florans, Yeshiva of Greater Washington

"We are so glad to be partners with CCSA-Ohel. The conversations and honesty of the presenters help our students feel safe asking questions they might not otherwise ask."

Adira Botwinick, Berman Hebrew Academy

"It is clear that this is a labor of love for you and your team and we are grateful for the passion and knowledge you infused into every portion of your presentations."

Dr. Etty Mizrahi, Yeshivah of Flatbush

"I really appreciate the mission and investment you've made in making this conversation an important open, thoughtful, realistic and educational norm in our community."

CB Neugroschl, Ma'ayanot High School

Programming Inquiry Form