Testimonials

Community Responses to "It’s Not You Until It Is You"

What educators and support professionals are saying:

“He shows his audience the dire effects that this disease has on a user’s family, friends, and the entire community… one mistake can cause death.”

Jane Kornbluth English Teacher

Harris Insler’s presentation, It’s Not You Until It Is You, deals with the ramifications of substance abuse focusing on opiates and should be seen by adults and students of all ages. Not only does he discuss the ways in which people become involved with substances, he also shows his audience the dire effects that this disease has on a user’s family, friends, and the entire community. The audience is always riveted as Mr. Insler shares his personal experience with his son Zach, who died from an overdose in 2006; the passion that Mr. Insler exudes has a profound effect on every member in the audience. He skillfully challenges them to realize the shattering events that take place when there is any kind of experimenting with illegal substances, where one mistake can cause death.

It should be noted that Mr. Insler taught English and coached in a 7th-12th grade public school for 33 years. As a result of working with thousands of students and athletes, he has gained knowledge regarding strategies and techniques that helped to engage youngsters in the learning process – therefore, his audience isn’t memorizing facts. Instead, they are internalizing the information that he is giving them. He asks of his audience to understand the choices they have before them and to use the tools he is offering.

“After the video portion of ‘It’s Not You Until It’s You,’ you could hear a pin drop in our auditorium… they were hanging onto his every word.”

Steven Carpaneto - Guidance Counselor H. Frank Carey Jr.-Sr. H.S.

I have had the privilege of watching Harris Insler present his “It’s Not You Until It’s You” presentation on several occasions: ranging from an entire grade level assembly to classroom presentations for our junior and senior high school students. Each presentation was specifically tailored for each format and grade level and was on point! Harris gave an informative, interactive, and powerful presentation. His message of the perils of Substance Use Disorder, the importance of decision making, stories from families who experienced SUD and loss first-hand, and the story of his son, still resonates within our students and likely will remain with them for good! After the video portion of “It’s Not You Until It’s You,” you could hear a pin drop in our auditorium; our students were so moved and engrossed in Harris’ story that they were hanging onto his every word. Harris has the unique ability to juxtapose his presentation with humor and compassion along with sorrow and the dangers of destructive decision making. I look forward to inviting Harris back to our school in the very near future and I thoroughly recommend Harris Insler to any junior or senior high school that values the choices their students make and wants to provide crucial and potentially life-saving information to them as well. Truly one of the better presentations I have seen in my career of 23 years thus far. Bravo!

“The students left with a profound understanding of the need to destigmatize and reevaluate our approaches to mental health, addiction, and drug use”

CB - Manhasset CASA

Mr. Insler’s visit was impactful. He spoke to our high school students and several parents with genuine honesty, deep knowledge, and evident passion. His comprehensive and engaging presentation, highlighted by his own tragic story, underscored the severe consequences of drug use on individuals and families. The students left with a profound understanding of the need to destigmatize and reevaluate our approaches to mental health, addiction, and drug use, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who struggle.

“Exposing the students to the raw emotions of family members who have lost loved ones was an effective way of keeping their attention riveted to the screen.”

Debbie Garceau - GRASP (Grief Recovery After Substance Passing) Support Group

The presentation, It’s Not You Until It Is You, by Harris Insler, at H. Frank Carey High School was both informative and heartfelt. Harris was very creative in capturing the students’ attention from the beginning with his wit and humor, before addressing the much-needed information regarding Addiction Disease. Exposing the students to the raw emotions of family members who have lost loved ones was an effective way of keeping their attention riveted to the screen. The questions they asked reflected an eagerness to learn and understand what has resulted in the many victims they know having been affected by addiction. As Harris shared his own story of his son Zach’s loss, I found this to be quite touching for the students to see such vulnerability. Having lost my youngest son to this disease, I can attest to the need to educate our youth in this most effective way.

“The presentation… effectively showcased the devastating consequences of drug abuse and highlighted the importance of heightened awareness and early intervention. It left an indelible impact on the audience.”

Christopher T. Fiore - H. Frank Carey High School Principal

From the moment I entered the auditorium, I sensed an atmosphere of anticipation and eagerness. Harris Insler’s passionate delivery captivated the audience.

The presentation was well structured with a blend of personal anecdotes, factual information and thought-provoking visuals. He managed to relay a concise message in a way in which students could relate.

The presentation was a compelling compilation of real-life stories and powerful visuals that effectively showcased the devastating consequences of drug abuse and highlighted the importance of heightened awareness and early intervention. It left an indelible impact on the audience.

Harris Insler emphasized the behavioral changes that serve as potential warning signs. Seemingly subtle shifts in behavior indicate deeper issues. By providing specific examples and practical advice, the presentation empowered us to be more observant and proactive in our interactions with loved ones and friends. This has the potential to save lives.

Harris Insler educated us about the dangers of drug use but also inspired a call to action. Participants left motivated to make a difference, whether through fostering open dialogue, seeking professional assistance or spreading awareness. I am confident it will have a lasting, positive influence on many others as well.

What students and audience members are saying:

My reaction to this whole presentation is surprise.  It is sad how many people might not know what will happen when they use drugs.  I also loved how Mr. Insler shared his story and helped us to understand why drugs are really bad.

I thought it was very well done, engaged well with the audience, and left a lasting impression on myself and others.

Encourage healthy alternatives like exercise, meditation, hangouts. Things that will distract the desire of drugs.

We can at least try as a community to try and mitigate bullying. Bullying and peer pressure are one of the biggest factors of people trying substances for the first time.

I think this was a good presentation that caused me to react in a positive way. Now, I really understand how bad drugs are and how I can’t do them.

I think that this presentation changed my point of view and it will have a lasting impact on me regarding drug usage.

It’s surprising and sad seeing these stories because I didn’t think this happened very much.

I think this presentation can help people in need and is very powerful.  It makes me realize how SUD is a very real risk and is very widespread.

To reduce the risk of substance use, we can start by educating ourselves and others about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. As a community, we can support each other, create safe spaces, and provide resources for those in need. It’s all about spreading awareness and looking out for one another.

Spread awareness for those recovering and look out for counterfeit or laced drugs for the safety of ourselves and others. We can be more understanding and supportive for others and discourage drug usage, raising programs and events like these to spread the message.

I learned that SUD and OUD can be caused by depression, experimentation, peer pressure, and self-hate. Fentanyl is also put into illicit drugs to make it stronger and more addicting.

I really liked the whole presentation.  I think he was able to make the lesson not really sad and boring even though it is such a serious topic. He was able to get every point across.

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