By Samantha Sanchez
Staff Writer
Mira Costa currently does not speak about amphetamines in its efforts to halt drug abuse. Although Costa’s new stress plan may help reduce prescription drug abuse if implemented next year, the school should still take extra measures to publicly inform students about the harms and repercussions that come with taking these drugs.
Adderall and Vyvanse are both amphetamines that stimulate the nervous system and increase the amount of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, in the brain. They are both highly abused by high school students, as stated on healthline.com.
According to the website drugabuse.gov, Adderall is the second most abused drug for high school seniors. Students can become addicted to the sudden rush of energy from the drug, which is why the school should focus more on educating students about it.
Costa has combatted the issue of student drug abuse during the previously-used Red Ribbon Week Assembly, a nationwide drug awareness campaign within many schools. This was a step in the right direction, but it should focus more on students who abuse drugs for school.
This year, Costa did not hold a Red Ribbon Week Assembly as Dr. Rocky Wilson, who taught People Attaining Complete Equality, the organization in charge of Red Ribbon Week, retired, resulting in the dissolution of the class. Even though PACE didn’t exist at the start of this year, Costa still should have found alternatives in ensuring students were educated about amphetamines.
According to School Resource Officer John Loy, when Red Ribbon week was held at Costa, they did discuss prescription drug use. However, now that this assembly no longer exists, the school is taking a step back in educating students about drugs. As of now, the PACE club is considering holding an assembly about body image, so it should also hold an assembly on prescription drug use, largely focusing on the impact of Adderall and Vyvanse.
According to Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale, if students are caught illegally taking drugs like Adderall, the school will punish them like a student that is using any other kind of non-prescribed drug. Costa treats all drug abuses equally, as it rightfully should. Both pose health risks that can be detrimental to students.
According to Loy, the consequences for possession or sale of non-prescribed drugs are being charged with a felony and possible expulsion. If students were more aware of these consequences, then they could be hesitant in abusing these substances.
Additionally, according to Dale, the school should reevaluate the permanency of test grades and finals, as it’s often too stressful for students, and a large reason why they take these harmful drugs.
The stress plan being implemented next year may be a step forward in achieving this, as the plan states that teachers can only assign work on their designated days, according to Dale.
Education about Adderall and Vyvanse are not as socially prevalent as other drugs, but it should be due to their harmful effects. Therefore, student drug education, including discussing prescription drugs, should be a mandatory assembly so students are completely aware of the repercussions of their use.
Leave a Reply