Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has become the leading cause of death for U.S. adults aged 18–45, with a massive impact on adolescents and college students (CDC, 2025). Between 2019 and 2021, monthly adolescent overdose deaths increased by 109%, with fentanyl-related deaths rising 182% (CDC, 2025). To help combat this, we have rolled out an updated version of our Other Drugs course!
Other Drugs addresses the use of drugs in their many forms, including opioids, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens, including commonly misused prescription medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vicodin, OxyContin, Xanax, and Ambien. The course explores an individual’s drug use, reasons for use, and consequences of use. In addition, it addresses the following:
- Opioid and Fentanyl Education
- Overdose-prevention Guidance
- Information on Naloxone, counterfeit pills, fentanyl test strips, and emerging synthetic opioids
- Substance use and mental health
- Warning signs of a mental health crisis, including support resources such as 988 and SAMHSA
Other Drugs provides personalized feedback and addresses risks, effects, and consequences in a
motivational interviewing style. It helps individuals recognize and reflect on their beliefs, attitudes,
behaviors, reasons for use, triggers, and strategies for making a change. It can be used as both a prevention and an intervention course. Non-users will be reaffirmed in their choices. Users will be guided through a personalized plan for change. Individuals will finish the course informed about the effects drugs have on their bodies, the risk of addiction, and the impact it has on developing brains.
Are you ready to learn more? Visit 3rdmil.com to find out more about our updated Other Drugs course!
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, February 25). CDC reports nearly 24% decline in U.S. drug overdose deaths. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/2025-cdc-reports-decline-in-us-drug-overdose-deaths.html
Tanz LJ, Dinwiddie AT, Mattson CL, O’Donnell J, Davis NL. Drug Overdose Deaths Among Persons Aged 10–19 Years — United States, July 2019–December 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1576–1582. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7150a2.
