“In order to really assist a student, you have to either catch them or provide access to supports that students can participate in like self-referral. We have that with our Wellness Center and our amazing counseling team. We have access points if people feel that maybe somebody's making those decisions that are unhealthy, and they feel that an individual needs help, or that an individual feels like they need help. I want to make sure [it’s known] that we do have resources for students that may need it. I’d rather have that and students in general having that rational thought of ‘Hey, maybe what I’m doing is unhealthy and not good for me' than a student firting with our rules until possibly getting caught.”

For students who may be having difculty with handling these addictions, what advice would you give?

A:

“As a whole, we have a very active community. We live by the beach, and there’s a lot of fun activities that we can participate in that are healthy. My frst piece of advice for any student is to try to fnd an outlet that is healthy and that you can do with your friends that doesn’t include drugs or alcohol. [Here at RUHS] we have 100+ clubs and almost half of our student population is in some way, shape, or form involved with athletics or theater or something beyond just their academic schedule, and that speaks volumes to who we are as a learning community.” quitting nicotine and lim- iting their usage of other drugs. Seeing their friends grapple with similar issues makes them feel “powerless.”

“All I can do is ofer them my support, tell them how much I care about them and just hope that they make that conscious decision [to quit] because at the end of the day, I know no matter what words I say to them, nothing I can do is going to make them [change],” Kit said.

Shadfan also notes how teens who rely on drugs as coping mechanisms have issues later on in life, both physical or mental, as he has seen working for Clear. He stated that in his experience, drug addicts struggle to “build life skills on how to navigate through the world and through diferent situations in a healthy, sober manner.”

Addiction doesn't care your body is breaking down. Addiction doesn't care you're overdosing. keep going back because your brain is chemically attached to it."

MAEVE ANONYMOUS SENIOR marijuana and but later found brother using depression. [marijuana], fghts with me for high because verbally and menas do Ally and weakness,” a be“millions from reachyour socioecowhat you're dothink they're they’re lesser the efect of classifes themself as better” since of teenagers have misused a drug at least once in their life

Kit’s own choice to reduce their usage was not a “conscious choice,” but rather a choice made out of “desperation,” something they feel shame about.

“When I started coughing blood, [that was the wake up call]. I didn't get up and I was like, ‘I re ally need to improve my life,’” Kit said.

Education can be very benefcial, as is open discussion and harm reduction. Per Bradford Health Services, “Parents talking openly and honestly with their children about drugs begin ning at an early age has proven to be one of the most efective strategies for preventing substance abuse and addiction.”

“I’ve never done anything harder than pot be cause I saw my aunt and the way that she turned out. She told me, ‘Don't think it's a temporary thing.’ Drugs are temporary, but the consequenc es are forever,” Maeve said.

Reed on the other hand is somewhat “grate ful” for his experiences, as they have given him “strength.” He is now trying to help younger kids and friends with their addictions by providing support through conversations and sharing his story.

“It's made me a lot stronger. I'm able to have critical conver sation with adults or help my friends through traumas,” Reed said.

In addition to support, “faith” is vital, according to Maeve.

“Never give up on them. Never lose hope. My aunt did the worst; black tar heroin, fentanyl. I gave up and thought, she's going to die. That's just how it's going to be,” Maeve said. “And then she came out, she really needed us and we were there for her.”