As part of the District’s ongoing efforts to address the dangers of vaping, all 9th grade students are attending a presentation led by Shannon Richardson, a substance abuse counselor who visits the school twice each week.
The presentation began with Ms. Richardson asking students what they already know about vaping, to gauge their understanding. From there, she explained the differences between nicotine and THC vapes, how these substances affect the body, and the ways they can influence decision-making.
Students also discussed making healthy choices and the risks of using products from unknown sources. Ms. Richardson highlighted recent local reports of vapes being laced with fentanyl, stressing the importance of awareness and safety. When she asked if anyone knew what Narcan was, only one student raised their hand. She explained that Narcan can reverse the effects of opioids, but not fentanyl, and emphasized that her goal was not to scare students, but to provide accurate information so they can make safe, informed decisions.
The conversation also explored other “instant-gratification” habits such as cell phone use, video games, and caffeine. Ms. Richardson explained that the brain continues developing until around age 25, and that substance use can slow this process, but also reassured students that quitting now can reverse many of the negative effects of vaping.
Students learned refusal strategies, including the importance of walking away from risky situations. Ms. Richardson reminded them that if peers do not respect their decision to say “no,” then those peers are not being true friends.
In addition to these presentations, Ms. Richardson will be visiting health and physical education classes. Students who would like to learn more about saying no to vaping, strategies to quit, or coping with stress in healthier ways are encouraged to stop by and see Ms. Richardson on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.