Drug Educators Alliance

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Practical. Factual. Ready to Use.

Drug Educator
Training

Learn how to talk to young people about drugs in a way they’ll actually hear.

Live, instructor-led training for educators, law enforcement, youth leaders, parents, prevention professionals and others who work with young people.

Register for Live Online Training → Schedule In-Person Training
More Than Drug Facts

Practical tools for real conversations and real situations.

Knowing the facts about drugs matters. Knowing how to communicate those facts, answer difficult questions and help young people respond to real situations matters too.

Drug Knowledge

Understand major drug categories, risks, terminology and common misconceptions.

Talking With Young People

Learn how to answer difficult questions without lecturing or losing credibility.

Life Skills

Give young people practical ways to respond to peer pressure and difficult situations.

Media & Drug Myths

Help students evaluate drug claims they encounter online, through social media and from peers.

Emergencies & Disclosures

Know how to respond when a young person asks for help or may be in danger.

Teaching Skills

Practice presenting drug education in a way that encourages discussion and participation.

Drug educator training curriculum and youth education resources
Course Syllabus

Eight hours of live, practical instruction.

Participants build drug knowledge, communication skills and practical teaching ability, then leave with resources they can begin using with young people in schools, youth programs and community settings.

Leave with tools you can actually use.

Participants receive curriculum, lesson plans, activities, discussion prompts and practical resources they can begin using with young people immediately.

1 Course Standards & Foundations
Learn the role and responsibilities of a drug educator, factual communication standards, age-appropriate education and how to avoid exaggeration and scare tactics.
2 Drug Knowledge for Educators
Review major drug categories, terminology, effects, risks and common questions educators may hear from young people.
3 Myths & Media Literacy
Examine drug myths, misinformation, social-media claims and ways to help students evaluate what they hear.
4 Talking With Young People
Practice answering difficult questions and communicating factual information without lecturing or losing credibility.
5 Life Skills & Real Situations
Teach practical responses to peer pressure, drug offers, unsafe situations, stress, decision-making and help-seeking.
6 Disclosures, Referrals & Emergencies
Learn how to respond when a young person asks for help, discloses drug use or may require immediate assistance.
7 Classrooms, Families & Measurement
Adapt drug education for different audiences, involve families appropriately and use simple tools to assess learning.
8 Teaching Practice
Practice delivering drug education and receive feedback on communication, accuracy and student engagement.
9 Full Curriculum & Resources to Use With Youth
Receive ready-to-use lesson plans, facilitator guidance, discussion prompts, student activities, worksheets, life-skills exercises and implementation tools.
10 Knowledge Assessment & Next Steps
Review key material, complete the course assessment and prepare to apply the training in your own setting.
★ Finding Your Purpose
Learn a short closing activity that helps young people explore what matters to them, what they want for their future, and the goals and possibilities they want to protect.
Live Online Training

Eight-Hour Live Online Training

Participate live through Zoom with an instructor, discussions, practical exercises and teaching practice.

$199 Q4 special tuition per participant
Upcoming Live Online Dates
October 19, 2026
November 9, 2026
December 14, 2026
January 11, 2027
March 8, 2027
April 12, 2027
Choose Your Training Date →

Select your date during registration.

Private In-Person Training

Bring the Training to Your Organization

Private instructor-led training for schools, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, nonprofits, companies and other groups.

$3,500 per training day for up to 20 participants
$299 for each additional participant
Host organization provides the training space.

The $3,500 training fee does not include hotel, conference room, classroom or other venue rental. The host organization provides a suitable location for the training.

Instructor travel, lodging and related travel expenses are paid by the host organization.

Contact Us About In-Person Training →

Email [email protected] to discuss dates and location.

Who Should Attend?

Built for people working directly with young people.

This training is for people who want practical tools to help young people understand drugs and make informed decisions.

Educators & Schools
  • Teachers
  • Health educators
  • Driver education instructors
  • School resource officers
  • Counselors and youth staff
Community & Prevention
  • Law enforcement
  • Youth organization leaders
  • Prevention professionals
  • Coaches and mentors
  • Parents and community volunteers
Ready to Use

What Participants Receive

Live Instruction

Eight hours of instructor-led training and practical application.

Participant Materials

Curriculum, lesson plans, activities and resources participants can begin using with youth.

Teaching Practice

Opportunities to practice explaining concepts and responding to real-world situations.

Drug Educator Certification

Awarded after successful completion of the applicable course requirements. Certification is valid for two years.

Your Certification Path

Earn your certification. Put it into practice. Keep it current.

Drug Educator Certification is designed to recognize completion of the training and continued professional development. Educators who put the curriculum into practice can also work toward Drug Educators Alliance Gold Seal recognition.

2-Year Certification Drug Educator Certification is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
Renew Every 2 Years — $99 The $99 renewal includes a 2.5-hour update and renewal course plus a knowledge assessment.
1

Complete the Training

Participate in the live eight-hour training and complete the applicable course requirements.

2

Earn Certification

Receive Drug Educator Certification after successful completion of the training and assessment requirements.

3

Put It Into Practice

Use the curriculum and resources with young people in schools, youth programs and community settings.

4

Renew and Stay Current

Complete the required 2.5-hour update and renewal course plus a knowledge assessment every two years. Renewal is $99.

Drug Educators Alliance Gold Seal certification badge
Gold Seal Recognition

Go beyond completing the course.

Certified educators may work toward Gold Seal recognition by documenting real-world delivery of the approved curriculum with young people.

  • Maintain a current Drug Educator Certification
  • Educate 100+ young people
  • Complete at least 4 separate educational sessions
  • Use approved Drug Educators Alliance curriculum and resources
  • Submit required verification
  • Complete a short activity report or reflection

Gold Seal recognition does not restart the two-year certification term. It remains tied to the educator’s current certification period.

Need continuing education credit?

Continuing education requirements vary by state, profession, district and licensing authority. Drug Educators Alliance can provide a program information packet, course outline, learning objectives, instructor information and other materials you may submit to your state board, licensing authority, school district or employer for review.

Approval is determined by the individual state, board, district, employer or licensing authority and is not guaranteed.

Request CE Information →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the training?
Participants receive eight hours of live instruction, practical exercises, teaching practice, course materials, youth curriculum and implementation resources.
What do I receive after completing the training?
Participants who successfully complete the applicable course requirements receive Drug Educator Certification. The certification is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
How long is Drug Educator Certification valid?
Drug Educator Certification is valid for two years from the date it is issued. The two-year renewal is $99 and includes a 2.5-hour update and renewal course plus a knowledge assessment.
How do I earn Gold Seal recognition?
Certified educators may work toward Gold Seal recognition by educating 100 or more young people across at least four separate educational sessions, using approved Drug Educators Alliance curriculum and resources, and completing the required verification and activity reporting.
Is this training approved for continuing education credit in my state?
Continuing education requirements vary by state, profession, district and licensing authority. Drug Educators Alliance can provide course information and supporting materials for you to submit to the appropriate authority for review. Approval is determined by that authority and is not guaranteed. Email [email protected] to request a continuing education information packet.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes. One purchaser may purchase multiple seats. Each participant is registered separately so each person receives their own course information, calendar invitation and reminders.
Can my organization schedule a private training?
Yes. Private in-person training is $3,500 per training day for up to 20 participants, plus $299 for each additional participant. The host organization provides the training space and pays instructor travel, lodging and related travel expenses.
Does the in-person fee include a venue?
No. The host organization is responsible for providing a suitable classroom, conference room, meeting room or other training space. Venue rental is not included in the training fee.
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Registration, cancellation and rescheduling terms are provided during enrollment. Contact [email protected] with questions about an existing registration.
Be Ready for the Conversations Young People Are Already Having

Get the facts. Learn how to communicate them. Practice what to do when real situations arise.

Register for Live Online Training → Schedule In-Person Training
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