Since 2023, the Students Empowered to End Dependency team has made over 120 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.

SEED’s Student Presentation Offerings include relatable science and personal experience.

• A short video: Introduces each student presenter (ages range from 17 to 21).
• Science Presentation: Teaches the disease model of addiction, including the addiction continuum and the critical role of dopamine. We also present practical warning signs signaling the progression of a use disorder and how to get help.
• Let’s Get Kids Talking: Opening conversations is the first step and repeat visits with hi-risk students help to develop relationships that often lead to counseling or rehab. Special attention is also paid to students who do not use, but experience use within the family.

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, middle schools and Alternative Education programs and we will customize the program to meet your needs. Presentation style/audience options include the following:

• Assembly style for all group sizes
• Health Classes
• Alternative
• Education Classes
• At-Risk Groups

Interested? Please let us know by completing this quick survey.

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