Students and doctors from Duquesne University visited Montour High School to inform them on the use of Opioid drugs. An opioid use disorder is defined as a problematic pattern of opioid use that leads to serious impairment or distress.

The students that visited and spoke to the kids at Montour High School were Deidra Smith, Jeff Strange, and Christian Thomas.    The students and doctors from Duquesne University came to visit the students of Montour High School on January 28.

  These students are in the Duquesne University Pharmaceutical program. At Duquesne University during the last week of pharmacy school they go on a five week rotation with current employed pharmacist and doctors. These college students were here on observation of Dr. Mapel and Dr. Dibridge, who are currently employed at the Presbyterian Hospital. Students from Duquesne University are aligned with nurses and doctors where they are designated to a service line and have specific requirements that need to be meet.

  There are different topics and studies that come from these programs. The students go to medical places such as the hospital where they identify and talk to patients that are currently on five or more medications. The students requirements at this point is to talk to the patient about the medication and learning how to identify the proper medication for the patient. The students are tested and graded based off of their meeting before and after with the patients.   “Addiction” does not have a simple meaning and current doctors are trying to break away from the word addiction. Addictions to different drugs, or “substances,” are called substance abuse disorders. When these opioid drugs are taken they are very addictive and activate the brain's reward system producing feelings of pleasure. The body's reward system typically reinforces behavior and produces a sense of memory to the brain. Once these drugs have entered the body and activated the brain the body continues to want more of these substances.

  Dr. Julie Dibridge stated , “The range of people getting addicted ranges from almost every age group. The largest group is where it becomes a true problem in their 20s. This use at a young age is leading to more of an opiod addiction later on in life.” Pharmacist are on the front line for the opioid problems that have been occurring over time. There is a major push for pharmacist in today's society as many people continue to lose their jobs or quit due to the pressure their job requires.

  When asked about what is being done and part of the pharmacists job to prevent opioid addiction Dr. Julie Dibridge said, “Making sure that patients have a great understanding about the use of their medication and educating their family members on the use of the medication. Also Informing the family members and patients on how to properly store it and to make sure they are not sharing these medications. There is now current technology being developed to help with drug monitoring.

 This was an educational assembly where the students took the role of informing students on how to prevent certain addictions and giving them a good understanding of everything going on with drug use in today's world. The students broke down the body describing how each part of the body is affected by the overuse of these drugs and they also discussed certain types of drugs and stimulants. Every part of the assembly was for educational purposes and to help inform the youth about the severity of these drugs to help prevent use later on in their lives.

  Dr. Julie Dibridge stated, “ Any questions or concerns please reach out..a group that is all confidential and gives guidance to help patients and kids is at your disposal. This is a top secret conversation where we are looking to do nothing but help with whatever situation you are going through and to help inform/answer any questions you have. Thank you!”

  Dr. Julie Dibridge can be reached at dibridgejn20upmcedu .

Story by Jaden Nelson

Video by Alex Campbell