Riley Sullivan, Executive Director of the Carolina Harm Reduction Union, discusses changing attitudes towards opioid use on college campuses. He highlights how student-led initiatives are vital for education and resources to combat opioid harm. The conversation also covers mandatory substance use training for new students, promoting safety and consent awareness. They tackle stigma surrounding substance use, emphasizing the importance of harm reduction strategies and fostering supportive environments for students navigating these challenges.
Peer-to-peer education is essential in reducing stigma around substance use, allowing students to learn safe practices from their peers.
The conversation about substance use is evolving from fear-based messaging to open dialogue that normalizes discussions about addiction and informed decision-making.
Deep dives
Peer-to-Peer Harm Reduction
Effective harm reduction strategies for college students are based on peer-to-peer education, which helps reduce stigma and judgment around substance use. Students often feel judged by traditional approaches, leading them to be more receptive to messages from their peers who understand their experiences. For instance, organizations like the Carolina Harm Reduction Union provide education on safe drug practices and distribute harm reduction tools like naloxone and fentanyl testing strips. By meeting students where they are, these programs foster open dialogue and trust, enabling students to learn how to engage with substances safely.
Risks of Accidental Overdose
Many college students are unaware of the dangers associated with the substances they consume, particularly the prevalence of fake pills containing opioids like fentanyl. Most overdose cases occur because students unknowingly ingest potent substances, thinking they are taking legitimate medications. Factors such as high academic pressure and a lack of understanding of drug safety contribute to students' increased risk. Educational initiatives at universities focus on spreading awareness and teaching students how to recognize overdose symptoms, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making regarding substance use.
Changing Conversations Around Substance Use
The discourse surrounding substance use in college settings is shifting from fear-based messaging to open, non-judgmental conversations. Research indicates that fewer students engage in substance use than previously thought, challenging the notion that using drugs is a college rite of passage. Instead of focusing solely on negative consequences, prevention efforts now highlight the benefits of abstaining from drug use and promote informed choices. This comprehensive approach incorporates an understanding of the biopsychosocial factors influencing substance use, aiming to normalize discussions and reduce stigma around addiction and mental health issues.
Going to college is an exciting time filled with new experiences. For some students, it might also be their first exposure to opioids, and they may not know the dangers of accidental overdose.
However, college is also a time when many students get involved in creating change and promoting education to protect themselves, other students, and their communities. In this episode, hear how the conversation around overdose on college campuses is changing, and the students, administrators, and public health experts working to create safer campuses for everyone.
Cori Hammond, M.P.H, Director, Prevention Services, Partnership to End Addiction
Alexis Drakatos, Assistant Director of Substance Misuse Prevention at the University of Oregon
DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.
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