The Role of Schools in Preventing Addiction
Adolescence is a pivotal period marked by neurobiological vulnerability and identity exploration. It's also a time when experimentation with drugs, alcohol, and other addictive behaviors can take root. As rates of teen vaping, opioid exposure, and behavioral addictions escalate, the burden of prevention increasingly falls on institutions beyond the home. Schools—where young people spend the majority of their waking hours—are more than educational facilities; they are social ecosystems capable of fostering resilience or facilitating risk. Leveraging the school environment for early prevention is not merely advisable, it is essential.
Accessible Care from the Comfort of Home
In today's digital age, accessing medical support has become easier than ever. Individuals struggling with opioid use disorder can now connect with online Suboxone doctors, allowing them to receive treatment without leaving their homes. These virtual appointments offer privacy, flexibility, and timely access to professional care, especially for those in remote areas or with busy schedules. Through secure telehealth platforms, patients can consult with certified providers, receive prescriptions, and get ongoing support for their recovery journey. This shift toward virtual care has removed many traditional barriers, making effective treatment more inclusive and accessible for those in need.
Early Education and Awareness Programs
The seeds of prevention are best sown early. Age-appropriate educational programs that demystify addiction and articulate its consequences can provide students with a cognitive scaffold that protects against future risk. When substance education begins in elementary school and continues through high school, it builds a cumulative foundation of awareness. This is not about fear-based messaging but psychological inoculation—arming students with scientific, behavioral, and social knowledge that demystifies both legal and illicit substances. The most effective curriculums contextualize addiction not as a moral failing but as a neurological and behavioral disorder that thrives in secrecy and misunderstanding.
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence and Coping Skills
The emotional turbulence of youth often catalyzes risky behaviors, including substance use. Embedding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into the core curriculum enhances students' ability to regulate emotions, navigate interpersonal conflict, and build self-awareness. These soft skills, while difficult to quantify, are critical in insulating students from the allure of escape offered by drugs and alcohol. Programs that offer resilience training, mindfulness practices, and scenario-based exercises foster a kind of internal scaffolding that is far more effective than reactive discipline. The goal is to raise students who can sit with discomfort rather than flee from it.
The Impact of School Culture and Peer Dynamics
Culture eats policy for breakfast. A school environment that stigmatizes vulnerability or glorifies toxic norms inadvertently nurtures the conditions for addiction. Conversely, when a school actively cultivates inclusivity, openness, and trust, students are more likely to seek help. Encouraging positive peer influence—through leadership programs, student ambassadors, or peer mentoring—reframes influence as a force for good. Adolescents crave belonging. If that belonging is tied to substance use, prevention efforts are undermined. But if it is anchored in prosocial behavior, prevention becomes organic, sustained not by mandates, but by culture.
Teacher and Staff Training
Educators are often the first adults outside the family to notice changes in a student's behavior, appearance, or demeanor. Yet many teachers feel unequipped to address addiction warning signs or mental health red flags. Targeted professional development—rooted in trauma-informed practices—can give teachers the tools to detect, document, and refer at-risk students appropriately. School counselors and psychologists, when integrated into daily academic life rather than siloed in offices, serve as vital triage points. Their presence not only normalizes help-seeking but ensures students aren't lost in the bureaucratic shuffle when they need support most.
Partnerships with Families and Communities
Addiction prevention doesn't end at the school gate. Families, when informed and engaged, become crucial allies. Open lines of communication between educators and parents ensure consistency in messaging and expectations. Workshops, town halls, and family resource nights can equip caregivers with tools to reinforce prevention strategies at home. Additionally, strategic alliances with local health departments, mental health agencies, and community-based nonprofits allow schools to extend their reach. These partnerships can bring in specialists, organize outreach initiatives, and offer wraparound services that support both students and their families.
Policy, Surveillance, and Support Systems
School policies on drug use must strike a balance between accountability and compassion. Zero-tolerance policies, once prevalent, have shown limited efficacy and often result in students being pushed further into marginalization. A more humane alternative is the adoption of restorative justice models, which focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Surveillance tools like anonymous tip lines or digital behavior monitoring, when implemented ethically, can provide early detection without compromising trust. Most importantly, confidential support systems—whether counseling hotlines or peer-led support groups—should be accessible, well-publicized, and stigma-free.
For individuals struggling to break free from kratom dependence, finding effective treatment options is crucial. One question that often arises is, can I use Suboxone for kratom withdrawal? Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is FDA-approved for opioid addiction, and since kratom acts on the same opioid receptors, some doctors may prescribe it off-label to ease withdrawal symptoms. However, this approach should always be guided by a medical professional, as improper use may lead to complications. Personalized treatment plans and professional supervision are key to managing withdrawal safely and effectively. Always consult a doctor before starting any medication.
Conclusion
Addiction prevention is not a singular lesson or event—it is an ongoing, multi-pronged endeavor embedded within the culture, policies, and daily operations of a school. When educators, students, families, and communities coalesce around a shared vision of wellness, schools become more than places of learning. They become sanctuaries of prevention, resilience, and transformation. As the frontlines of adolescent development, schools must be empowered not just to educate, but to protect and prepare the next generation to navigate a world rife with addictive risks. Their role is not peripheral—it is pivotal.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
The Role of Schools in Preventing Addiction
Introduction Adolescence is a pivotal period marked by neurobiological vulnerability and identity exploration. It's also a time when experimentation with drugs, alcohol, and other addictive behaviors can take root. As rates of teen vaping, opioid exposure, and behavioral addictions escalate, the burden of prevention increasingly falls on institutions beyond the home. Schools—where young people spend the majority of their waking hours—are more than educational facilities; they are social ecosystems capable of fostering resilience or facilitating risk. Leveraging the school environment for early prevention is not merely advisable, it is essential. Accessible Care from the Comfort of Home In today's digital age, accessing medical support has become easier than ever. Individuals struggling with opioid use disorder can now connect with online Suboxone doctors, allowing them to receive treatment without leaving their homes. These virtual appointments offer privacy, flexibility, and timely access to professional care, especially for those in remote areas or with busy schedules. Through secure telehealth platforms, patients can consult with certified providers, receive prescriptions, and get ongoing support for their recovery journey. This shift toward virtual care has removed many traditional barriers, making effective treatment more inclusive and accessible for those in need. Early Education and Awareness Programs The seeds of prevention are best sown early. Age-appropriate educational programs that demystify addiction and articulate its consequences can provide students with a cognitive scaffold that protects against future risk. When substance education begins in elementary school and continues through high school, it builds a cumulative foundation of awareness. This is not about fear-based messaging but psychological inoculation—arming students with scientific, behavioral, and social knowledge that demystifies both legal and illicit substances. The most effective curriculums contextualize addiction not as a moral failing but as a neurological and behavioral disorder that thrives in secrecy and misunderstanding. Cultivating Emotional Intelligence and Coping Skills The emotional turbulence of youth often catalyzes risky behaviors, including substance use. Embedding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into the core curriculum enhances students' ability to regulate emotions, navigate interpersonal conflict, and build self-awareness. These soft skills, while difficult to quantify, are critical in insulating students from the allure of escape offered by drugs and alcohol. Programs that offer resilience training, mindfulness practices, and scenario-based exercises foster a kind of internal scaffolding that is far more effective than reactive discipline. The goal is to raise students who can sit with discomfort rather than flee from it. The Impact of School Culture and Peer Dynamics Culture eats policy for breakfast. A school environment that stigmatizes vulnerability or glorifies toxic norms inadvertently nurtures the conditions for addiction. Conversely, when a school actively cultivates inclusivity, openness, and trust, students are more likely to seek help. Encouraging positive peer influence—through leadership programs, student ambassadors, or peer mentoring—reframes influence as a force for good. Adolescents crave belonging. If that belonging is tied to substance use, prevention efforts are undermined. But if it is anchored in prosocial behavior, prevention becomes organic, sustained not by mandates, but by culture. Teacher and Staff Training Educators are often the first adults outside the family to notice changes in a student's behavior, appearance, or demeanor. Yet many teachers feel unequipped to address addiction warning signs or mental health red flags. Targeted professional development—rooted in trauma-informed practices—can give teachers the tools to detect, document, and refer at-risk students appropriately. School counselors and psychologists, when integrated into daily academic life rather than siloed in offices, serve as vital triage points. Their presence not only normalizes help-seeking but ensures students aren't lost in the bureaucratic shuffle when they need support most. Partnerships with Families and Communities Addiction prevention doesn't end at the school gate. Families, when informed and engaged, become crucial allies. Open lines of communication between educators and parents ensure consistency in messaging and expectations. Workshops, town halls, and family resource nights can equip caregivers with tools to reinforce prevention strategies at home. Additionally, strategic alliances with local health departments, mental health agencies, and community-based nonprofits allow schools to extend their reach. These partnerships can bring in specialists, organize outreach initiatives, and offer wraparound services that support both students and their families. Policy, Surveillance, and Support Systems School policies on drug use must strike a balance between accountability and compassion. Zero-tolerance policies, once prevalent, have shown limited efficacy and often result in students being pushed further into marginalization. A more humane alternative is the adoption of restorative justice models, which focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Surveillance tools like anonymous tip lines or digital behavior monitoring, when implemented ethically, can provide early detection without compromising trust. Most importantly, confidential support systems—whether counseling hotlines or peer-led support groups—should be accessible, well-publicized, and stigma-free. For individuals struggling to break free from kratom dependence, finding effective treatment options is crucial. One question that often arises is, can I use Suboxone for kratom withdrawal? Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is FDA-approved for opioid addiction, and since kratom acts on the same opioid receptors, some doctors may prescribe it off-label to ease withdrawal symptoms. However, this approach should always be guided by a medical professional, as improper use may lead to complications. Personalized treatment plans and professional supervision are key to managing withdrawal safely and effectively. Always consult a doctor before starting any medication. Conclusion Addiction prevention is not a singular lesson or event—it is an ongoing, multi-pronged endeavor embedded within the culture, policies, and daily operations of a school. When educators, students, families, and communities coalesce around a shared vision of wellness, schools become more than places of learning. They become sanctuaries of prevention, resilience, and transformation. As the frontlines of adolescent development, schools must be empowered not just to educate, but to protect and prepare the next generation to navigate a world rife with addictive risks. Their role is not peripheral—it is pivotal. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Time Business News
Recognizing the Link Between Stress and Relapse in Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery
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Typically, the drug has a long half-life, which means it breaks down slowly and can persist in the body for days after the last dose. How Long does suboxone stay in your system depends largely on individual physiology, but on average, it can be detected in urine for up to 7–10 days. Blood and saliva tests may show it for shorter durations, while hair tests might detect it for much longer. The Neurobiology of Stress and Addiction Stress and addiction share overlapping neural circuitry, particularly involving the amygdala, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and reward-related dopamine pathways. Chronic substance use dysregulates these systems, rendering the brain hypersensitive to stress. In early recovery, the brain's ability to regulate stress hormones such as cortisol remains impaired, increasing the risk of relapse during emotionally turbulent periods. Moreover, substances like alcohol or opioids often serve as maladaptive coping mechanisms that temporarily silence hyperactive neural responses, reinforcing a dangerous feedback loop. This neurological vulnerability persists even after the substance is out of the system. Stress as a Catalyst for Craving and Compulsion When stress levels spike, the brain seeks relief—often reverting to familiar patterns. In recovering individuals, this manifests as acute cravings that feel nearly inescapable. These cravings are not merely psychological urges but are biologically encoded responses that hijack decision-making circuits in the prefrontal cortex. Even minor stressors—a disagreement with a loved one or financial strain—can rapidly escalate into relapse triggers. Stress also lowers impulse control, making individuals more susceptible to acting on fleeting compulsions. Therefore, stress becomes not just a trigger but a biochemical accelerant for relapse. Psychological Vulnerability During Recovery The early stages of recovery often expose emotional wounds that were previously numbed by substance use. Anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma resurface, amplifying psychological fragility. Without proper coping mechanisms in place, stress becomes a magnifying glass for unresolved issues. Individuals may feel overwhelmed by even ordinary life responsibilities, perceiving them as insurmountable. This emotional intensity creates a fertile ground for relapse, especially when paired with low self-efficacy or limited social support. Cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing or black-and-white thinking further undermine resilience during these critical junctures. Environmental and Social Stressors That Trigger Relapse Environmental stressors—such as returning to toxic living situations, facing unemployment, or navigating high-risk social circles—can subtly or overtly provoke relapse. Social interactions, especially with former drinking or drug-using peers, often resurrect behavioral conditioning tied to substance use. Even sensory cues like smells, music, or places associated with past use can elicit strong emotional reactions. These triggers, when combined with daily stressors, create a latticework of risk. The insidious nature of these stressors lies in their familiarity; they often blend into daily life unnoticed until a relapse has already begun. Techniques to Manage Stress and Prevent Relapse Proactive stress management is essential in sustaining recovery. Mindfulness-based interventions, such as meditation and breathwork, recalibrate the nervous system and improve emotional regulation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) equips individuals with strategies to reframe negative thought patterns and build healthier coping responses. Physical activity releases endorphins and promotes neuroplasticity, strengthening the brain's resilience. Equally crucial is establishing a structured daily routine, which offers predictability and reduces the cognitive load of decision-making. These practices are not quick fixes but tools that, over time, insulate against the corrosive effects of stress. Integrating Holistic Strategies into Long-Term Recovery Long-term recovery necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Holistic strategies such as nutrition therapy, acupuncture, expressive arts, and peer support communities help recalibrate emotional equilibrium and foster inner growth. Spiritual engagement—whether through traditional religion or personal belief systems—can also provide existential grounding during turbulent periods. Building a purpose-driven life with meaningful goals and connections nurtures resilience and reduces vulnerability to stress-induced relapse. By integrating these modalities, individuals can transform recovery into a journey of self-reclamation, not merely abstinence. Conclusion: Cultivating Resilience for a Sustainable Sobriety The relationship between stress and relapse is both intricate and consequential. Ignoring this dynamic increases the likelihood of setbacks, while confronting it head-on paves the way for sustainable healing. Through a combination of neurological understanding, psychological insight, and holistic practice, individuals can fortify themselves against the erosive power of stress. Recovery is not a linear path—it is a dynamic process that demands adaptability, self-awareness, and resilience. By learning to recognize and manage stress effectively, individuals in recovery gain not only sobriety but the profound strength to rebuild their lives with intention and clarity. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Winnipeg Free Press
17-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Another front in the drug-addiction battle opens at Siloam Mission
A four-litre jug of orange juice and a stack of tiny cups are the signs that Siloam Mission has just wrapped up the second day of providing a life-saving treatment for drug addiction on Thursday. The juice dilutes methadone, one form of opioid agonist therapy — a treatment for addiction to opioids including heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone. It involves taking medication, such as methodone and Suboxone, that reduces withdrawal symptoms for 24 to 36 hours. It is the current standard of front-line care for opioid use disorder in Manitoba. It can be used short term or for several years and doesn't get the patient high. The Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction says it reduces the risk of overdose, alcohol-related deaths, suicide, cancer and other illnesses because it increases a person's access to overall medical care and improves the chance of early intervention and treatment. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Kris Allen Pharmacist at 432 Health Group talks about the on-site opioid agonist treatment (OAT) which the group will be providing medical supplies for. 'This would be for folks who are looking to be sober,' Tobi Jolly, Siloam's interim director of community wellness, said at the medical centre at Siloam. 'Withdrawal can be very dangerous for folks. Detox has a long waiting list here in Winnipeg, so if they're trying to do that on their own, it's just super unsafe for them.' The program, which began at Siloam's Saul Sair Health Centre at 300 Princess St. on Wednesday, is scheduled to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It was started following multiple instances in which people who wanted to be sober were unable to access timely resources, forcing them to continue using opioids, Jolly said. 'It's long waiting lists everywhere they go, (and) this is where a lot of our community members feel safe and comfortable,' she said. A nurse practitioner, who can diagnose opioid use disorder and offer counselling, will be on site several days a week. A pharmacist will be on hand each day to administer the medication, which can't be taken home. Patients' treatment will be recorded and tracked. The pharmacist and nurse are employed by 432 Health Group, a Winnipeg company that offers a range of medical services. Last year, the firm asked Siloam how it could help, and staff overwhelmingly requested opioid agonist therapy resources. In the first two days, five patients were treated, but staff expect word to spread quickly and more people to show up. 'Withdrawal can be very dangerous for folks. Detox has a long waiting list here in Winnipeg, so if they're trying to do that on their own, it's just super unsafe for them.'–Tobi Jolly 'We're building it,' said Kris Allen, a pharmacist with 432 Health Group. 'As new needs come to us, we're going to fill those gaps.' In Manitoba, 320 nurses and doctors are approved to prescribe opioid agonist therapy. Some are out of reach for the people Siloam serves because many don't have health cards and aren't able or willing to leave the neighbourhood on a daily basis, Jolly said. Manitoba's seven Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine clinics, which are run by the provincial government and provide urgent addictions treatments, including opioid agonist therapy, have long lineups and are, at times, forced to turn people away. Quitting 'cold turkey' is not just painful, but can put the person at a higher risk of overdose and death. While the proposed supervised consumption site would be a crucial complement to Manitoba's harm reduction framework, Jolly said Siloam's new program is meant to intervene immediately if a patient is ready today. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'A lot of solutions that are long term, they're going to take a while to happen,' she said. 'More detox beds and more treatment are a long ways away.' The supervised consumption site plan is in the 'review stage,' as per Health Canada's website, which notes it is 'awaiting key information before decision can be taken.' The provincial government submitted its application in November 2024. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba removed some post-training requirements for a doctor to be able to prescribe Suboxone in 2023 in an effort to increase access to care. Since then, there's been an uptick in the number of doctors providing the treatment, but there's demand for more, said Dr. Marina Reinecke, an addictions medicine physician and consultant for the college's prescribing practices program. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Allen and Tobi Jolly, Interim Director of Community Wellness at Siloam Mission. '(It's) certainly not what we would consider adequate access or easy access for most patients,' she said. 'We still have a long way to go in terms of developing those services, but things have improved a lot.' While it is the standard of care, opioid agonist therapy is considered higher-barrier to some and works best in conjunction with other treatment, Reinecke said. 'Safe consumption sites are low barrier. We need them for overdose prevention and as an access point,' she said. 'Opioid agonist therapy is one of the more intensive therapies that people who use safe consumption sites can then sort of graduate into.' Shared Health said in an email it's 'excited' another opioid agonist treatment provider is operating in Winnipeg. Malak AbasReporter Malak Abas is a city reporter at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg's North End, she led the campus paper at the University of Manitoba before joining the Free Press in 2020. Read more about Malak. Every piece of reporting Malak produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
