Motivational High School Speaker on Drugs & Alcohol
Engaging High School Substance Awareness & Decision-Making Presentation
Inspire your students to make smart, confident choices—without preaching or clichés. Robert Hackenson Jr. delivers an unforgettable mix of evidence-based lessons, humor, and live illusions that keep teens listening, reflecting, and learning.
Understanding Today’s High School Reality
High school students are under more pressure than ever. They’re balancing grades, athletics, relationships, family expectations, social media comparisons, and the uncertainty of their futures. When stress, anxiety, or failure hit, many look for quick escapes—sometimes through substances like vaping, alcohol, or marijuana.
But information alone doesn’t change behavior. Teens don’t need another lecture—they need connection, relevance, and emotional engagement. That’s exactly what Robert Hackenson Jr. brings to your school. His presentation focuses on “building your life” and our decisions are the building blocks so they need to be made with purpose. Robert dives into the challenges teens face in high schools and gives different perspectives and tools for teens to make positive decisions during these challenging times.
As seen/heard on:
Meet Robert Hackenson Jr.: The “Edutainer” Students Actually Listen to
For over 20 years, Robert has spoken in 49 states and multiple Canadian provinces, delivering programs that students describe as “real,” “funny,” and “eye-opening.” He’s not just a speaker—he’s an edutainer. Using magic, illusions, storytelling, and humor, Robert captivates students while revealing the psychology behind decision-making. Every illusion reinforces a life lesson. Every laugh opens a window for self-reflection. His goal: to make students feel seen and understood—and empower them to make better choices when challenges arise.
What Students Will Learn
This high school program goes far beyond “don’t do drugs.” It helps teens understand the why behind their decisions and equips them with strategies to navigate real-life pressures.
Core Learning Points:
- How emotions and brain chemistry affect decision-making.
- Why stress, heartbreak, or embarrassment can lead to risk-taking.
- How social media influencers and online culture shape perception.
- The real impact of vaping, alcohol, and other substances on mental health.
- How to handle peer pressure, failure, and anxiety in healthy ways.
- Why self-awareness and support networks are key to resilience.
Robert shares relatable stories, live demonstrations, and honest dialogue that turn statistics into insight and prevention into empowerment.
Why It Works...
Traditional assemblies often lose students’ attention in minutes. Robert’s method blends performance psychology, humor, and authentic communication to keep students engaged from start to finish.
- 🎩 Magic & Illusions: Demonstrations that make abstract ideas visible.
- 😂 Humor & Authenticity: Keeps defenses down and attention high.
- 🧠 Science & Psychology: Explains how influences work—and how to resist them.
- ❤️ Empathy & Real Talk: Builds trust and encourages reflection.
Students leave the auditorium talking about what they saw, what it meant, and how it applies to their own lives.
This makes it perfect for School Assemblies, Youth Conferences, Wellness Weeks, Red Ribbon Weeks, School-Wide Prevention Initiatives, and more.
Designed for Educational Alignment
Flexible Formats for Every Schedule
Outcomes Schools Notice
This presentation supports Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and health education standards by addressing:
- Responsible decision-making
- Self-awareness and self-management
- Social awareness and relationship skills
- Healthy coping and communication
It integrates seamlessly with wellness weeks, Red Ribbon Week, prevention education, or stand-alone assemblies.
Robert offers in-person, hybrid, and virtual delivery options. Schools can schedule:
- One 50–60 minute assembly, or
- Multiple assemblies for different grade levels, or
- A full-day package with both student and evening parent programs.
Each option includes customizable content and pacing to fit your bell schedule, auditorium setup, and audience size.
- Students stay attentive and engaged throughout.
- Conversations continue afterward—in classrooms and at home.
- Administrators see improved student participation in wellness and prevention efforts.
- The program supports existing MTSS Tier 1 prevention frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long is the high school presentation?
Typically 50–60 minutes. It can be adjusted for assembly blocks or shortened to fit multiple sessions in one day.
Q2: What topics are covered?
The program addresses decision-making, peer influence, mental health, alcohol, THC, vaping, opioids, OTC drugs, and coping with stress or failure—while promoting resilience and self-awareness.
Q3: Can we combine this with other grade-level programs?
Yes. Most schools schedule a full day with high school and middle school presentations, plus an optional evening parent program.
Q4: Is it appropriate for all high school students?
Absolutely. Content is evidence-based, age-appropriate, and adaptable for grades 9–12 in public, private, or alternative settings.
Includes 1 Year Access to Curriculum for FREE!
The learning doesn’t have to stop after the assembly. Along with each substance awareness school assembly presentation, your school will get access to the Sober Thoughts curriculum for 1 calendar year for FREE through our online portal. This curriculum includes videos, class discussion questions, and class activities and/or assignments that goes along with the substance awareness presentation. This keeps the learning going far beyond the presentation and reinforces the important lessons.
Flat Day Rate Pricing Option
The flat day rate offers up to 4 presentations within 24 hours for 1 flat rate. These presentations can be on different topics, for different grades, at different schools, and can include a parent/community night. This allows schools to work together and maximize budgets and resources.
Helpful Resources
