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.

To read this graph, start by looking at the title and labels. The title tells you what the graph is about, and the labels on the axes show you what is being measured. Once you understand the labels, look at the data points. These are the dots or bars that represent the information. You can compare the data points to see how the values change over time or in relation to each other.As you scroll your mouse over the various data points, you will learn about the different stimulants that are being combined with opioids and the number of deaths from these lethal combinations that have been reported since 2012. The second graph depicts methamphetamines and cocaine and their involvement in opioid-related deaths.

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.