Many stimulant overdoses also involve opioids. Between 2012 and 2020, stimulant overdose deaths increased dramatically, and the number involving opioids rose even faster. Fentanyl is a major concern, as it's being added to cocaine and other stimulants, making them more potent and dangerous. Many people don't know their drugs are laced with fentanyl, which increases the risk of overdose (NICHM, 2024).The 60 Minutes segment posted below highlights the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis, which claims around 70,000 American lives annually. Parents Mike O'Kelly and Angela King share the tragic story of their son, Jack, who unknowingly ingested fentanyl-laced drugs, underscoring the dangers of counterfeit pills and the difficulty of reversing fentanyl overdoses even with Narcan.

The Love Like Adam Foundation was established in honor of Adam Jeffrey Oakes, a freshmen at Virginia Commonwealth University when his life was tragically cut short on February 27th, 2021 from hazing. The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of the potential dangers students face on college campuses. This includes but is not limited to
hazing, signs of alcohol poisoning and bystander intervention. Visit the website at www.lovelikeadam.com.

This video explains how opioids affect the brain by slowing down pain signals through opioid receptors, mimicking the brain's natural endorphins. Over time, as a person like Susan continues taking opioids, her brain becomes tolerant, requiring higher doses for relief, which can lead to addiction and a challenging cycle of dependence.

[National Geographic]

Virginia law (CHAPTER 451) requires each public secondary school that includes grades nine through 12 provide an opioid overdose prevention and reversal program of instruction at such grade level as the local school board deems appropriate. Each public secondary school is to adopt policies for the purpose of encouraging each student to complete such opioid overdose prevention and reversal program of instruction prior to graduating from high school.

The information in this resource is intended to support divisions in developing a program of instruction for grades nine through 12 on opioid overdose prevention and reversal and to serve as a resource for teachers responsible for implementing the program of instruction. Division programs of instruction are to include instruction in identifying the signs of a possible opioid overdose and training in the administration of an opioid antagonist for the reversal of a potentially life-threatening opioid overdose.

The First Lady of Virginia’s "It Only Takes One" campaign is raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit drugs, which often contain deadly amounts of fentanyl. The campaign encourages open conversations and education about opioid addiction, empowering individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones. Through this initiative, Virginia is combating the opioid crisis in Virginia.

By understanding the risks, addictive qualities, and signs of an opioid overdose, teachers can empower themselves and their students to make informed decisions and take proactive steps to protect each other and their communities.