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By Amelia Tsao
Most everyone knows about the persistent opioid crisis going on in the United States, but do they know about the measures our schools are taking to prevent the growth of the crisis?
Originally used as a prescription for pain relief, opioids like fentanyl and heroin have since been used as a type of drug to feel “high”. Its ability to trigger the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter / hormone that creates a sense of pleasure and motivation, is well-known all over the world. The continuous consumption of such a drug has led to not only opioid addiction, but also death by overdose.
Many school districts, including Pleasanton Unified School District, have taken measures to make sure kids aren’t involved in opioid-related harm.
“I believe the Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD) has done a good job dealing with this crisis. This year, PUSD has partnered with the Pleasanton Police Department to implement classes for eighth-graders and fifth-graders to inform them of the dangers of drugs, as well as how to make good decisions in life,” said Amador Valley Special Resources Officer Cris Jones.
With programs such as D.A.R.E., which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, aiming to prevent drug abuse among students, PUSD has taken action to prevent the ongoing harm related to opioid usage. Besides programs for students, it is important to be well-versed in the consequences of opioid usage and overdose in the future.
“I believe the best way to prevent abuse as a whole would be education on the danger of drugs and how addiction works, making sure people with mental illness get the proper help in order to prevent self-medication with drugs, and avoiding temptation and peer pressure,” said Jones.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
