Rank the Rage

• Handouts for each group
• Pens and paper
• Flip chart or whiteboard to note key points during the debrief

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Introduce the session by explaining that today they will be exploring how different drugs might affect a person’s mood and behaviour, particularly when it comes to aggression and violence. However, emphasise that it’s not just the drug that causes someone to act aggressively—it also depends on factors like the person’s mood, environment, and personal circumstances.

Ask the young people to think about how these factors, along with the drug, can influence someone’s behaviour.

Hand out the "Rage-O-Meter" and a list of drug cards to each group.

Ask the young people to rank the below drugs on the Rage-O-Meter, from 1 (most likely to make someone violent) to 10 (least likely). 

1. Benzos (Benzodiazepines, Blues, Vallies) – Class C
2. LSD (Acid, Tabs, Trips) – Class A
3. Speed (Amphetamines, Uppers, Whizz) – Class A
4. Marijuana (Weed, Skunk, Ganja) – Class B
5. Ecstasy (MDMA, Mandy, E, Pills) – Class A
6. Ketamine (Special K, Ket, Donkey Dust) – Class B
7. Synthetic Weed (Spice, Mamba, Black Mamba) – Class B or Psychoactive Substance
8. Heroin (Smack, Gear, Brown) – Class A
9. Cocaine (Coke, Charlie, Snow) – Class A
10. Crystal Meth (Meth, Ice, Crystal) – Class A

Bring everyone back together and asks the groups to share their answers, questioning them on their choices. Then use the following discussion prompts:

• How hard/easy was it to decide on your ranking?
• Were there any drugs that were difficult to place on the Rage-O-Meter? Why?
• How do you think the setting (such as being in a club or being alone) influences how these drugs affect someone’s behaviour?
• What role do personal mood or mental health play in how a person reacts to these drugs?
• How might mixing alcohol or using multiple drugs change the risk of becoming violent?

Reinforce the key message that the risk of aggression or violence isn’t just about the drug—it depends on the individual, their mood and the context in which they’re using the substance.