Sara Sandstrom, Peak to Peak. Drug use and drug abuse is nothing new to the world or our communities. However, as the Covid-19 pandemic took over our lives the topic was neglected. Because of the unprecedented mental health crisis that has come from Covid it is time we address the topic again. This time we need to lose our ignorance. Forget the stigmas and stereotypes that surround drug use and really make a positive difference for our youth and people of all ages who are affected by drug abuse. 

In the last year there has been a significant increase in overdoses and overdose deaths in our communities and among teens. This is not only a big city issue. This is a Boulder County issue and really an every community issue. 

This topic is long and arduous and complex. Some things to know right now is that more fake pills are available for purchase. It is thought that about a quarter of these pills are laced with lethal amounts of Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than heroin. This greatly increases the risk of death from accidental overdose. Many of these drugs are easy to obtain through social media connections.  

Alcohol continues to be a concern among teens, but also vaping and high potency marijuana products. 

On top of all these concerns is the fact that some typical resources are not available to help young people right now because of Covid. The stresses from social isolation and other Covid related life changes can increase the misuse of substance abuse, addiction and relapse. 

Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) does have a list of resources on their website at https://www.bvsd.org/parents-students/student-help that can be helpful. 

Boulder County Public Health and BVSD want people to be aware of and use Narcan to reverse the effects of a drug overdose from opiates. Overdose prevention kits are available from Boulder County Public Health as well as some local pharmacies, without a prescription. You can go to BoulderCountyNarcan.org to see what pharmacies carry Narcan. 

We also need to spread the word to young people about the Good Samaritan Act in Colorado. If you see signs of an overdose please call 911. The Good Samaritan Act will protect you from legal liability if you make that call for help in an emergency. 

There are some advocates and non-profit organizations that are looking at bringing the Icelandic Prevention Model to Boulder County. This is a collaborative model that aims to prevent substance abuse. It involves altering the social environment that can initiate substance use. It means an entire community working together from the teens to the schools to the parents to public health organizations and nonprofits. It is a collaborative effort that commits to the well being of a community’s young people. Iceland and other countries who have followed this model have seen amazing results. This model can greatly increase the well-being of millions of teenagers. 

Local communities can make a profound difference in the lives of their youth. Kids of all ages, everyone really, want to be seen, heard and valued. They want to be listened to without judgement. They need healthy outlets, spaces and conversations. We can all play a part in preventing more drug abuse and deaths caused by drug abuse in our communities. The organization and work it would require is worth it, because our kids are worth it. 

(Originally published in the February 25, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)