Drug Abuse

As you are well-aware, fentanyl and other harmful drugs are running rampant across our state.  Too many kids are over-dosing and are at risk of dying.  Some schools and some school districts are purchasing Narcan kits in an attempt to respond to an overdose case that may occur in a school setting.  I think this is a good idea.  I have listed some thoughts for your consideration when moving in this direction: (this is not an all-inclusive list…but this is merely a beginning point for discussion.)

A guide for concerned community bystanders (Kentucky Opioid Response Effort)

CDC – The drug overdose epidemic continues to worsen in the United States. Drug overdoses, both fatal and nonfatal, continue to impact our nation.

Prescription opioids are medications that are chemically similar to endorphins – opioids that our body makes naturally to relieve pain – and also similar to the illegal drug heroin. In nature, opioids are found in the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. Opioid medications can be natural (made from the plant), semi-synthetic (modified in a lab from the plant), and fully synthetic (completely made by people).

There is a significant risk for today’s generation because of fentanyl. It is a deadly hidden threat. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous. Parents, guardians, educators, and anyone responsible for children must rely on drug prevention education to safeguard children and teens from this growing threat.

Get the facts on the misuse and abuse of prescription opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine, and the illegal opioid, heroin. Opioids are a class of drugs chemically similar to alkaloids found in opium poppies. Historically they have been used as painkillers, but they also have great potential for misuse. Repeated use of opioids greatly increases the risk of developing an opioid use disorder. The use of illegal opiate drugs such as heroin and the misuse of legally available pain relievers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone can have serious negative health effects. According to the CDC, 44 people die every day in the United States from overdose of prescription painkillers.

In October 2017, the President and acting U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary determined that a public health emergency exists nationwide. Opioids can help in the management of certain types of pain, but they pose serious health, financial, and social consequences when misused.

Search for free lessons and activities on the science and consequences of drug use. All lessons are based on national science and education standards and were developed by scientists from leading universities and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Sources of Strength for Middle/High schools is a peer-led, evidence-based, mental health wellness program that utilizes the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and cultures.

The elementary program utilizes a curriculum-based approach and keeps an upstream focus to increase health and wellness and decrease negative downstream outcomes by using active learning, talking circles, guided reflection and celebrating growth.

Too Good for Drugs develops a framework of social skills to establish and promote setting reachable goals, making responsible decisions, communicating effectively, identifying, and managing emotions, and bonding with pro-social peers; plus, peer pressure refusal, problem-solving, and media literacy. Students also gain substance prevention education at age-appropriate levels.

• Adrenal Steroids — Colorado State University hosts this page on naturally occurring steroids and their synthesis in the human body.
• Anabolic Steroids and Training — Subjects covered on this page include the chemical structure and function of steroids.
• Animal Steroid Hormone Implants — This FDA resource has information on hormone steroid implants given to animals in food production.
• Kids Health: Steroids — Although this page is geared toward kids, it has excellent information for everyone on steroids, steroid abuse, and what can be done to combat the illegal use of anabolic steroids.
• NIDA Infofacts: Steroids — The National Institute on Drug Abuse has this helpful page on steroids and their abuse.

(resources from wholesale central)

Tips for Parents on Keeping Children Drug Free tells what your children should know about drugs by the time they reach the third grade, ways to help your child stay drug free in the middle and junior high school years, and how to… (Department of Education)

Tobacco Information and Prevention Source provides educational materials that help to prevent tobacco use among youth, promote smoking cessation, and protect nonsmokers from environmental tobacco smoke. Visitors can order… (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

National Family Partnership is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week Celebration observed in October each year. They help “citizens across the state come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign. It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon…” (National Family Partnership)