Schaumburg High School students learned about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and why it is such a problem in high schools across the country today.

Schaumburg High School teamed up with the Schaumburg Police Department in a campaign to raise student awareness about drug abuse and its connection to other illegal drugs, such as heroin.

Officers from the Schaumburg Police Department spoke with all Schaumburg High School freshman students Aug. 25 and 26 in an effort to educate them about these issues, equip them to make positive choices and provide information about community resources for those who may need assistance.

“For us, the whole thing is about being proactive and keeping our most precious commodity, our students, safe and well-informed about the potential dangers of prescription medication and illegal drugs,” said Enrico Matarazzo, assistant principal at Schaumburg High School.

With a recent nationwide increase in heroin overdoses among teenagers, the law enforcement community has discovered that many heroin users first abuse prescription drugs commonly found in a family’s medicine cabinet.

The Schaumburg Police Department said they specifically wanted to reach out to freshman students in an effort to inform them early about the dangers of drug abuse.

During the presentations, officers reported statistics, showed videos, and told students what to do if they suspect anyone has a problem with illegal substances. Students were informed how addictive prescription drugs can be and how they are gateway drugs, or substances that lead the user to seek more potent substances.

The officers also stated that the person who calls 911 in an emergency situation will not be in trouble if they need help with someone who has overdosed, because the primary goal is getting that individual help.

They also encouraged students to stay active and involved in school and reminded them that drugs are not worth ruining their lives over.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with the Schaumburg Police,” Matarazzo said. “Both the Schaumburg PD and Schaumburg High School staff are dedicated and committed to creating an environment where students feel safe, protected and cared for.”