Opioid Education in Schools Now Required in Some States
Staying Ahead of the War on Drugs – Opioid Education in Schools Now Required in Some States
With the rise of opioid addiction cases in America, many states have taken it upon themselves to take steps towards combatting the high number of opioid abusers. Over 2,000 people in Maryland died from drug and alcohol-related overdoses in 2016 alone. The national crisis that America faces with prescription pain reliever and heroin abuse is reaching critical peaks, and opioid education in schools is now required by law in many states.
The opioid prevention programs are spread throughout an individual’s schooling career. In Maryland, all students must receive opioid prevention strategies to stop abuse at least four times – once in college, once in high school and twice in elementary school.
The Need to Start Opioid Education in Schools
Due to the alarming amount of young people who become involved with substance abuse, opioid prevention strategies must be introduced early on in a child’s development. One of the reasons that people become addicts in their later life is the age that their drug abuse started. Generally, the earlier the individual tried drugs for the first time, the more likely they are to become addicted to drugs.
Due to the biological changes taking place in a child’s brain, the addition of drugs can cause complications in their development, further increasing the risk of an addiction forming. While at school and college, a person is much more likely to succumb to peer pressure, causing them to do things they normally would not do. Approaching the topic of opioid abuse in a safe environment allows for myths to be dispelled and for the dangers of drug abuse to accepted.
The Main Reason Why Opioid Prevention Programs are Necessary
It is common for someone who is addicted to opioids to not fully understand all of the risks involved with their substance abuse. Once addicted, they often care very little about what the negative effects on their health and general way of life are. Having all of the information about the risks and dangers of opioid abuse before first wanting to try opioids can greatly help to stop a person from opening themselves up to addiction.
The main purpose of opioid education in schools is to reach children before they become exposed to opioids, offering them the information that could save their life. The initial opioid education in schools is aimed at making them aware of the basic dangers of the drug and why they should never try the drug. Children are taught that just one single use of the substance can not only lead to an addiction but it can cause an overdose. As the education continues through high school and college, more information that is appropriate for their age and what they are experiencing in their lives is given.
Not only can those who receive the education benefit from it, but it can also benefit those around the individual. By learning the dangers, signs, and symptoms of abuse, they are more equipped to help friends or family with an opioid addiction.
Resources are made available to students so that they can learn more if they wish. What to do when you or someone you know is taking opioids is also discussed. Contact information is given so that help is readily available.
Drug education in schools is a solid step toward beating the opioid abuse that is rampant in America. By working together with our youth, we can help to save many people from the dangers of addiction. For more information for opioid education, as well as to be treated for an opioid addiction, call WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.