Question: Although many new nationally known programs are available aimed at preventing substance abuse and addictions, many people develop addictions every year. The tendency to develop addiction varies with different ages, cultures, and other factors. One population that is most at risk of developing addictions is the high-school-age population. Studies have shown that adolescents perceive themselves as invulnerable to poor health (Santrock, 2010). In addition, physical development is taking place that makes them more at risk for substance abuse. The amygdala, for example, which is more driven by primitive impulses, is in a state of transition. Young adults do not have fully developed prefrontal cortexes, which are responsible for delaying gratification, controlling impulses, planning, prioritizing, and focusing, until later adolescence (Perkinson, 2012). This week, you will develop a communication tool to create awareness of the short- and long-term physiological dangers of substance addiction for this important-to-reach high-school-age population.

To prepare for this Assignment:

• Review the article "Drug Facts: High School and Youth Trends".

• Become familiar with some graphic tools that may aid you in preparation of your poster.

Submit a visually interesting poster for a high-school-age population that includes the following:

• Short- and long-term physiological effects of an addictive substance

• A slogan or paragraph that translates facts into a compelling message for this population

Be specific and draw on the required readings for this week in the creation of your poster.

Note: Create your poster in whichever program works best for you, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher (to create a PDF), or any open-source program you choose. You may also submit a photograph of your poster as a digital file, such as a jpeg or tiff file.