Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours is a scenario-based program where students are given the opportunity to understand the consequences that can occur when making unhealthy, destructive decisions. The students are randomly assigned a scenario, as well as volunteer parent. Each student/group of students is instructed to explain the scenario to their “parent” and are to have a dialogue with them as if the scenario were actually happening. The student(s) and “parent” must then visit community partners that they would in real life. During the program, the students take part in discussions focusing on Suicide Prevention, The Healing Place (a recovery center in Campbellsville), and Tobacco Education, Marijuana Education and Discussion Group. A pre- and post-test is administered to the students to measure their level knowledge prior to and after participating in the program. The test results are listed below. 

The Casey County Cooperative Extension Service collaborates with community partners to present this program to students in the 9^th grade students at Casey County High School. To increase students’ attention and participation in the Truth & Consequences Program, the program was held at the Casey County Judicial Center. Community partners and community volunteers play a very large role in the success of the program. In attendance were: Casey County ASAP Board Members, Casey County Community Education, Youth Services, 21^st Century Learning Center, Circuit Judge, County Law Enforcement, Court Designated Worker, Casey County High School Personnel and Gear-Up Students, Casey County Health Department, Casey County Hospital, Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment, Dunnville Christian Church pastors, Adanta Regional Prevention Center, and gentlemen in recovery from The Healing Place. Overall we reached over 180 students and had over 50 volunteer “parents”, community partners, and teachers participate.

Pre-Test: 143 Students

1. Nicotine (from tobacco use) changes the brain and makes a person more likely to become addicted to other drugs. TRUE – 72.0%

2. Using prescription drugs can be as dangerous as using illegal drugs. TRUE – 81.8%

3. Marijuana use accounts for one-third of all driving under the influence (DUI) arrests. TRUE – 65.7%

4. Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, even if the label claims it is nicotine free.  TRUE – 74.1%

5. Heavy marijuana use by teens is linked to lower grades and exam scores.   TRUE – 72.7%

6. Thoughts about, threats of suicide, or suicide attempts are all warning signs and should always be taken seriously. TRUE – 92.3%

7. Sharing or selling your prescription medication is legal because your doctor prescribed it and it is your property. FALSE – 60.1%

8. Untreated depression is responsible for more suicide deaths than any other single risk factor. TRUE – 82.5%

* 22 Students answer all questions correctly (15.3%)

Post-Test: 141 Students

1. Nicotine (from tobacco use) changes the brain and makes a person more likely to become addicted to other drugs. TRUE – 85.1% +18.1%

2. Using prescription drugs can be as dangerous as using illegal drugs. 

TRUE – 92.1% +12.5%

3. Marijuana use accounts for one-third of all driving under the influence (DUI) arrests. 

TRUE – 75.1% +14.3%

4. Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, even if the label claims it is nicotine free. 

TRUE – 88.6% +19.5%

5. Heavy marijuana use by teens is linked to lower grades and exam scores. 

TRUE – 87.9% +20.9% 

6. Thoughts about, threats of suicide, or suicide attempts are all warning signs and should always be taken seriously. TRUE – 94.3% +2.1%

7. Sharing or selling your prescription medication is legal because your doctor prescribed it and it is your property. FALSE – 63.1% +4.9%

8. Untreated depression is responsible for more suicide deaths than any other single risk factor. TRUE – 89.3% +8.2% 

*48 Students answer all questions correctly (34.0% +122.2%)

The students were asked to provide what the most beneficial information gained from the program. A few responses are listed below:

“Don’t do drugs…if something is bothering you, you can go and talk to someone.”

“Using drugs can change your life completely. Like The Healing Place, real people told their stories about it. Someone telling how drugs can affect your life and looking at them face to face can tell your mind, don’t do it.”

“Marijuana can damage your brain and nicotine can make you even more addicted to more and more drugs.”