Students should learn to recognize the impact of the low dopamine levels in the brain following a high from a drug. This low is a primary cause for repetitive drug use. In order to make this concept as impactful as possible, it’s important to talk about how the brain’s reward system works and how drugs modify it.
In this activity, students will compare the dopamine effect in a "natural high", like exercising, socializing, etc. with the dopamine effect of a drug. While the provided example in this activity can be used as an educational diagram for students, it's helpful for them to create their own first! Students will create a chart to compare the dopamine effect, complete with a visual to help them remember.
This activity can be modified for students to fill in after a class discussion or for those who need additional scaffolding. Leaving the ‘high’ and ‘low’ cells blank for students to fill in will help create a connection with content. Or, remove the line on the graph and un-highlight the brain. What the teacher chooses to add or remove will vary based on what they want their students to remember and practice.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting the differences in dopamine levels of natural and drug highs.
Start by having an open conversation with your class about activities that naturally boost dopamine, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends. This helps students connect the lesson to their own lives and see practical options for feeling good without substance use.
Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to create a list of activities that make them feel happy or accomplished. This fosters collaboration and personal reflection, reinforcing the concept of healthy dopamine sources.
Ask each student to choose one or two natural activities from their list and write a simple plan for how they can incorporate these into their weekly routine. This step makes the lesson actionable and supports positive behavior change.
Invite students to share their chosen activities and plans with the class or in small groups. Peer sharing builds a supportive classroom culture and inspires others with new ideas.
The dopamine drop refers to the sharp decrease in dopamine levels in the brain that follows a drug-induced high. This drop is important because it can trigger cravings and lead to repetitive drug use as the brain seeks to restore those lost feelings of pleasure.
Use a chart or storyboard activity where students compare dopamine levels during natural highs (like exercising or socializing) and drug-induced highs. Visuals and class discussion help students understand how drugs disrupt the brain's reward system compared to healthy behaviors.
Natural highs include activities like exercising, listening to music, or spending time with friends, which produce moderate, healthy dopamine increases. Drug highs cause unnaturally large dopamine spikes, often followed by dramatic lows or crashes, increasing the risk of addiction.
Understanding dopamine drops helps students see why people may repeatedly use drugs despite negative consequences. It highlights the biological basis of addiction and encourages informed, healthy choices.
Have students create a comparison chart showing dopamine levels for both natural and drug-induced experiences. Let them fill in examples and graph dopamine changes to visually reinforce the impact of substance use on the brain.