A recent class talked to him about students who abuse prescription drugs like Ritalin or antidepressants. Ritalin, they said, helps teens stay awake to pull all-nighters. A student last semester also gave a report on the drug GHB, talking about how he once was so addicted he drank a capful of the colorless, odorless liquid daily. Thibedeau said his job would be easier if more parents talked to their teens about substance abuse. Then we have parents who smoke up with their kids.
Society sends out conflicting messages.
We're a society that pops pills to get happy. Fairview High School health teacher Mary Ann Briggs said students also need information about why people turn to drugs and alcohol. A lot of kids will say, 'We already know the bad effects. We've read about it on the Internet. We try to get down to the root of why are they choosing to use these drugs, and are there some other ways to have fun without messing with their brain chemicals.