Over the last three school semesters, the Students Empowered to End Dependency team has made over 50 presentations in middle and high schools throughout Maine (references available upon request), sharing their personal experience with substance use disorder and growing up in families threatened by substance use disorder.

Are Maine kids at risk? YES!  Since Maine continues to normalize the use of high-potency marijuana, our kids are at risk; 66% of teens think it’s safe to use once or twice a week and 43% of high school seniors are using.  These charts/articles provide additional evidence:

• How are Maine students doing?
• Marijuana is #1 Gateway to Opioid Use
• Addiction Businesses Need Kids to Use
• What You Aren’t Hearing about Marijuana’s Health Effects

SEED Substance Use Disorder Presentations typically include the following:

• A short video which introduces each presenter (who ranges in age from 17 to 23).
• Personal stories, where each presenter elaborates on their experience with addictive substances and the impact on their lives.  While most of the discussion is based on personal experience, some addiction science is mixed into the presentation. 
• Q&A, where students are encouraged to speak up and ask questions.  The SEED team usually lingers after the formal presentation for those students who are more comfortable raising questions one-on-one with one of the presenters.

  Note:  SEED continues to build relationships with local clinical services and will help schools make clinical referrals, as needed.

SEED is eager to share its SUD presentations at high schools and middle schools and will customize the presentation to meet the needs of each school.  Presentation style/audience options include the following:

• Assembly style for all group sizes
• Health Classes
• Alternative Education Classes
• At-Risk Groups
• For Parents, a 15-minute program for Sports Nights