Worksheet on making decisions about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, highlighting the consequences of each choice.

Problem: Analyze the consequences of choices in each scenario related to substance use.

#### Scenario 1:
Situation: You and your older cousin are hanging out. Some people at school talk about your cousin smoking weed, and he asks you what you think about it. Before you know it, your cousin is lighting a joint and passing it to you. You can refuse or accept the joint.

Choices and Consequences:

1. Refuse the Joint:
- Positive Consequences:
- You maintain your personal values and avoid engaging in risky behavior.
- You protect your health and well-being by not exposing yourself to harmful substances.
- You may strengthen your relationship with your cousin by showing that you trust him but also respect your own boundaries.
- You set a positive example for others who might be watching or listening.
- Negative Consequences:
- Your cousin might feel offended or pressured if he perceives your refusal as judgmental.
- You might face peer pressure from others who might tease you for not participating.

2. Accept the Joint:
- Positive Consequences:
- You might temporarily fit in with your cousin and his friends, reducing social tension.
- You might experience a short-term feeling of acceptance or excitement.
- Negative Consequences:
- You expose yourself to the risks associated with smoking weed, such as impaired judgment, respiratory issues, and potential addiction.
- You could face legal consequences if caught using illegal substances.
- Your actions might lead to negative health outcomes, including mental health issues or academic performance decline.
- You might lose the respect of peers or adults who disapprove of substance use.

---

#### Scenario 2:
Situation: Steve’s mother, who is a smoker and is trying to quit, leaves a half-smoked cigarette in the ash tray. She is in the other room on the phone. Several of Steve’s friends have started experimenting with smoking and have been making fun of him for not trying with them. You can walk away or try the cigarette.

Choices and Consequences:

1. Walk Away:
- Positive Consequences:
- You avoid engaging in risky behavior and protect your health.
- You show self-control and respect for your own boundaries.
- You support Steve’s mother’s effort to quit smoking by not encouraging her habit.
- You maintain your integrity and avoid peer pressure.
- Negative Consequences:
- You might face teasing or ridicule from Steve’s friends for not joining in.
- You might feel socially isolated if your friends perceive you as “uncool.”

2. Try the Cigarette:
- Positive Consequences:
- You might temporarily gain social acceptance from Steve’s friends.
- You might experience a brief sense of rebellion or thrill.
- Negative Consequences:
- You expose yourself to the harmful effects of smoking, such as nicotine addiction, respiratory problems, and increased risk of cancer.
- You might encourage Steve’s mother to relapse into smoking, undermining her efforts to quit.
- You could face legal or disciplinary consequences if caught.
- You might develop a dependency on cigarettes, leading to long-term health issues.

---

#### Scenario 3:
Situation: Rachel is at a weekend cookout and she asks her favorite uncle what he is drinking. He tells Rachel it's beer and offers her a sip saying, “One sip won’t kill you!” She can accept or refuse.

Choices and Consequences:

1. Refuse the Beer:
- Positive Consequences:
- You maintain your commitment to staying sober and avoiding alcohol.
- You protect your health and well-being by not consuming alcohol.
- You demonstrate self-discipline and respect for your own limits.
- You might earn the respect of others who admire your decision.
- Negative Consequences:
- You might face peer pressure or teasing from the uncle or others who might see your refusal as uptight or uncool.
- You might feel left out of the social activity if everyone else is drinking.

2. Accept the Beer:
- Positive Consequences:
- You might feel included in the social gathering and enjoy the moment.
- You might experience a temporary sense of relaxation or enjoyment.
- Negative Consequences:
- You expose yourself to the risks of alcohol consumption, such as impaired judgment, coordination, and decision-making.
- Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to dependency or addiction over time.
- You might face legal consequences if you are underage and consume alcohol.
- You could make poor decisions while under the influence, potentially harming yourself or others.

---

Final Answer:

Each scenario requires careful consideration of the potential consequences of one's actions. The best choice in each situation depends on balancing personal values, health considerations, and social pressures. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Scenario 1 (Joint):
- Refuse: Protects health, respects boundaries, avoids legal issues.
- Accept: Risks health, legal issues, and addiction.

2. Scenario 2 (Cigarette):
- Walk Away: Supports health, respects boundaries, avoids peer pressure.
- Try: Risks health, undermines someone else’s recovery, and leads to addiction.

3. Scenario 3 (Beer):
- Refuse: Maintains sobriety, protects health, demonstrates self-discipline.
- Accept: Risks health, legal issues, and addiction.

The recommended choices in all scenarios are to refuse the joint, walk away from the cigarette, and refuse the beer, as these align with protecting health, respecting personal boundaries, and avoiding negative consequences.

Final Answer:
\boxed{\text{Refuse the joint, walk away from the cigarette, and refuse the beer.}}