84: How can schools support students struggling with addiction?

Youth drug abuse is a growing concern. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, opioid abuse is now considered a national public health emergency. Since 1999, overdose deaths have increased by 500% among 15 to 24-year-olds. In 2021 alone, more than 1,000 adolescents died as a result of a drug overdose. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends screening children for substance use starting as early as nine years of age. What is causing youth drug use and misuse in the U.S.? How do trauma and mental illness affect students’ disposition to substance abuse? And how can schools reach students who resort to drugs as a way to cope? In this episode, Kevin discusses youth mental health and substance abuse with former BMX Elite Pro and founder of pH Wellness and the Freewheel Project, Tony Hoffman. This is, What I Want to Know.