By Alexa Russo | Observer Contributor
Ramsey Clayter, MWCC alum and creator of “The Link,” spoke about weakening the stigma of addiction through Narcan training, educational awareness, and holding more events on campus.
Narcan is a controversial topic, but Clayter believes Narcan training should be available for students who want to learn how to use Narcan. Narcan is covered under health insurances and is free with no prescription. “This would be an opportunity to save lives,” said Clayter.
Clayter added, “There are always stigmas, we can never get rid of them.” He pointed out that with more education on campus about addiction, stigmas may fade. He also believes social media, events, and awareness are ways to help break the stigma. Clayter thinks of himself as someone who “cares about students” and wants those who are fighting addiction to have a “healthy recovery.” Clayter is looking forward to achieving more goals for The Link, a program that helps students in recovery, and is hoping to make The Link sustainable so it can be a program used forever.
Michael, Substance Abuse program major and recovering addict, hopes to see Narcan training at our school in the near future. “The Link is an amazing program. I have seen it first hand help many,” said Michael.
Michael believes that students who are willing to be trained to use Narcan should be able to and stated, “If they can give CPR classes to save someone’s life, why can’t they have a class to save a life with Narcan?”
Michael stated that everyone has a right to learn, saying, “Many students at our school would benefit from learning how to use Narcan.”
According to Michael, the opiate epidemic is a topic that should be talked about more. He believes there should be more support services offered to students. He also stresses the importance of being there for each other. “Support and check up on your friends and understand that addiction does not define who a person is,” said Michael.
“As addicts people tend to think that we chose this life, but if people only knew how much we would give to feel comfortable in our own skin, then maybe they would seek support instead of negativity which would help break the stigma,” said Michael.
Michael hopes to become a recovery coach in the future so that he can help save lives. “MWCC has taught me a lot of what I know, but I believe Narcan training for people who want to learn how to use it should be accessible,” said Michael.
Professor and defense attorney James Korman stated, “There comes a time when we need to stop punishing people, and start saving people.” He thinks that Narcan should be everywhere so that we can save lives.
Korman believes that addiction is not a choice. He said that many addicts are “friends, neighbors, and professionals.” He believes that opiates destroy everyone equally.
“The classic dealers for drugs may be people who hold no criminal background, but instead are people who are suffering with an opiate addiction,” said Korman.
Korman argued that about 85% of his cases have alcohol or drugs involved with them. He also hopes Narcan can be more widely accepted by society.
For more information on addiction call the Substance Abuse information and education hotline: 1-800-327-5050.
Guidance counselor Melissa Manzi and other counseling resources can be found in room 140. The Link is located in room 193.
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