For the second year in a row, RHS will participate in a live, nationwide Drug Facts Chat Day hosted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse Oct.7 to inform students and staff about the use of drugs and the dangers of substance abuse. Last year’s Drug Facts Chat Day took place in the media center during lunch. Students and teachers were able to interact with scientists online about the facts of drug use. This year, health classes will also participate in the event. “I think there are a lot of rumors…and this is a chance where you can ask about [your] questions…and find out the truth,” said special education teacher Wendy Roit.

The chat is designed much like a social networking program, such as a Facebook or Myspace. Each student will have the opportunity to sign on at the appropriate National Institute of Drug Abuse website to ask any questions regarding drugs. The drugs that students talked about last year ranged from the effects of coffee intake to the effects of marijuana. “One thing I like about this chat day is they are actually bringing in science…these scientists are actually doing brain scans things they hadn’t done five, ten years ago,” said special education resource teacher Thomas Rea.

Last year, scientists discussed the clear impact drugs have on memory and academics. Scientists also cleared up common misconceptions surrounding drugs. One scientist explained the difference between a person with a developing brain who takes drugs and someone with a fully developed brain who takes drugs.

Adolescent brains are still growing through the teen years; drug abuse and adolescents’ brains have an indirect relationship with one another. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “All drugs of abuse, such as nicotine, cocaine, and marijuana, primarily affect the brain's limbic system.” One issue students and scientists discussed was the future structure on teen bodies if they ever use drugs. Students were taught that when teens use drugs their brain development becomes altered.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse finds different, interesting ways to teach teens about drug abuse. These scientists use years of research to explain the facts about drug use, facts that will clear any questions students and teachers have about any drug.