Innovative Opioid Education for Middle Schools | Neuroscience of Addiction
With the rise in youth opioid exposure, schools and prevention coalitions need more than outdated scare tactics. The Neuroscience of Addiction Program, developed with Florida Atlantic University’s Mind ASCEND neuroscientists, is a new solution that uses visual and experiential learning to explain how drugs affect the adolescent brain.
This immersive experience features a life-size inflatable brain exhibit, allowing middle schoolers to physically walk through brain regions impacted by substances like fentanyl and opioids. This hands-on approach makes complex neuroscience both understandable and unforgettable.
Designed for DFC (Drug-Free Communities) and opioid education grant recipients, the program is evidence-based and curriculum-aligned. It’s ideal for supplementing tools like Operation Prevention or enhancing outreach supported by CDC drug education resources.
Educators see immediate benefits:
- Students engage deeper with content
- Lessons are retained longer
- Discussions shift from fear to understanding
Unlike traditional presentations, this program activates the senses, combining powerful visuals with science-backed facts to foster smarter choices among youth.