On February 3, 2025, I traveled through central Texas—making a quick stop at the iconic Buc-ee’s—before presenting a youth drug prevention workshop at Lone Star Ridge High School. This campus is well-known for its commitment to strengthening student leadership, wellness, and evidence-informed education. The visit provided an ideal opportunity to engage students in understanding the real science behind substance use and the key factors that influence their decisions.
One of the central prevention points we explored was how the adolescent brain evaluates risk, especially when substances such as vapes, alcohol, or pills are presented in social settings. Teen brains are wired to prioritize acceptance and immediate reward, which can lead to impulsive decisions that carry long-term consequences. This topic aligns with national findings on teen risk-taking patterns and substance-use trends, such as those published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/substance-use/index.htm
Through humor, storytelling, and interactive discussion, we examined how substances manipulate dopamine pathways and why even occasional experimentation can create patterns of repeated use. Students responded with thoughtful questions about addiction, stress, and how to support peers who might be struggling. Their engagement demonstrated a high level of insight and a genuine desire to understand the science behind prevention.
A fun fact about the surrounding community: the Buc-ee’s located just a few miles from campus is one of the busiest in the region, drawing travelers from across the country and serving as a well-loved Texas landmark.
To bring this evidence-based, engaging, and student-centered youth drug prevention program to your school, please visit:
https://raylozano.com/contact/