​By: Lane Lytle & Tessa Davidsohn

​Frat Parties, Sorority Functions, and College Sports; events that scream excitement and traditionally involve student consumption of alcohol and other substances. With the rise of punitive measures in the courts for underage substance abuse, the rise of rehab clinics, and “just say no” initiatives in schools,one would expect a decrease in substance abuse among teens and young adults; the opposite has taken place. The need to seepreventive care, emphasized among my peers, is needed now more than ever. I speak as one who has had friends suffer due to crippling substance use and addiction. 

​As a junior at an undergraduate institution, I have seen substance use and abuse in many different capacities. Parties, sports events, and even weekend hangouts at a friend’s apartment always seem to contain an element of substance use, the most notable of which is alcohol. While I don’t condemn the consumption of alcohol in the correct setting (being 21 years of age and above), the abuse of alcohol as a means of coping with unresolved or built-up trauma should be spoken against. This dependency is something claiming the futures of many of my peers every year, “more than 1,800 students die each year of alcohol-related causes…600,000 are injured while drunk, and nearly 100,000 become victims of alcohol-influenced sexual assaults” (Mcmurtrie). The reality of substance dependency is grave; young lives are at stake in the face of substance culture, or “binge drinking culture”. This culture is most prevalentamong Greek organizations on college campuses. As a fraternity man, I can confirm that drinking culture is a real and present institution in every Greek organization I’ve come into contact with, across a variety of undergraduate institutions. The reality behind these drinking cultures is a multi-faceted loyalty to Greek rituals (those imbued with alcohol related activities) and practices of Hazing. Hazing is the most common vehicle for substance abuse to form or spread. Hazing is defined by the Britannica Dictionary as “the practice of playing unpleasant tricks on someone or forcing someone to do unpleasant things” (Britannica Dictionary). Understanding Hazing as a power dynamic of one individual over another reveals the reality of substance use when it is used in this power dynamic setting. The culture is put upon others; the drinking and use of other substances as a means of coping is learned, not inherited. This can start at any age, a friend who wishes to remain anonymous speaks to this fact. My friend, a Texan girl who goes to college in SC began drinking as young as 14 years old. This was normal in her house, describing it as the “family culture”. This “culture”, the more she described it, became more and moresorrowful. She described her family as upper middle class, she never had a moment of want or desperation; where most substance use and addiction is thought to creep in to families living in desperate situations. The access granted by the family’s wealth and abundance gave my friend a license to try what she willed, when she willed it, and without any pushback. This was described to by her as her life at home and school. Her friends would vape, drink, and use other substances in school bathrooms when teachers would pass by. This unrestricted living did not spare her life from lasting trauma, and neither did it spare her family. She vividly described to me her cousin, who lived as she did in the family, but became extremely “dependent” on drugs and alcohol, going as far as to prostitute himself for money topurchase substances. They have lost contact with this cousin, drugs have consumed his mind and body, a path he decided to walk as early as middle school. My friend described the cousin as a bright boy before he began using, before he began what seemed like an innocent game of smoking some weed. My friend further described to me her college life, her time in a sorority. Every function, every hangout, no matter how simple or “low-key”, alcohol and weed had to be present. This sorority’s“culture” of substance use fostered addictions in many of her friends and cost many of them very dearly. My friend declined to share details of the tragedy of her substance use in high school and college, she did, however, confirm that she had been sexually assaulted due to substance use. A tragedy that can strike any family, any home, and any person self-medicating rather than self-regulating. Prevention before these behaviors take root is essential, as destructive coping methods must be met with healthy regulating methods. Sobering Academia can only begin when we call attention to the problem among my peers. We are perpetually exchanging bad coping methods in an echo chamber of self-medication when we should seek preventative measures of self-regulation. My friend describes her life as a race; she was told to grow up fast, and substances were a means to do this. She said at first it was cool, now everything is just cold. 

Resources: 

“Hazing Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary.” @Britannica, 2024, www.britannica.com/dictionary/hazing.

Juergens, Jeffrey. “Drinking and Drug Abuse in Greek Life – Addiction Center.” AddictionCenter, 2014, www.addictioncenter.com/college/drinking-drug-abuse-greek-life/.

Mcmurtrie, Beth. “Why Colleges Haven’t Stopped Binge Drinking.” Nytimes.com, The New York Times, 14 Dec. 2014, www.nytimes.com/2014/12/15/us/why-colleges-havent-stopped-binge-drinking.html?smid=url-share. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Welsh, Justine W., et al. “Substance Use among College Students.” FOCUS, vol. 17, no. 2, 10 Apr. 2019, pp. 117–127, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6527004/, https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20180037.

A large study examined the health records of 463,396 adolescents ages 13–17 and followed them into young adulthood. Researchers found that 5.7% of teens reported using marijuana within the previous year during routine health screenings. 

The results showed significant differences in mental health outcomes between teens who used marijuana and those who did not:

• Teens who used marijuana had more than double the risk of developing psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder later in life.  
• They were 34% more likely to develop depression.  
• They were 24% more likely to develop anxiety disorders.  

Researchers also found that marijuana use typically occurred about 1.7 to 2.3 years before the diagnosis of these mental health conditions, suggesting that adolescence may be a particularly vulnerable period for brain development. 

The study comes at a time when marijuana use among teens is still common. Researchers estimate that over 10% of U.S. teens ages 12–17 report using marijuana each year, and about 26% of students have tried it by the time they reach their senior year of high school. 

At RIZE Prevention, our mission is to address not only substances themselves but also the reasons young people may turn to them. Research like this highlights the importance of education, mentorship, and healthy alternatives that help teens build strong foundations for the future.

Source: “Teen Marijuana Use Doubles Chances of Future Psychotic Disorders, Study Finds,” Washington Stand.

Jermaine Galloway

December 2025

Kava is a plant-based herbal substance, also known as kava root or Piper Methysticum, native to the Pacific Islands. It has been used for centuries for medicinal, social, recreational, and ceremonial purposes. Only the root, not the leaf is used. It can be ground into a loose powder or pounded to extract a milky liquid that is mixed into beverages.

Kava is a depressant and is often used as an alternative to Western medicines or to self-medicate for anxiety, sleep disorders, and stress.

So why is this old-school plant now linked to street-level drugs?

Because of its depressant-type euphoria, Kava is increasingly being used with alcohol. Some individuals take it as an alcohol replacement, to ease alcohol withdrawals, or in conjunction with alcohol, which is why Kava is now appearing in liquor stores nationwide.

During my liquor-store scans, I frequently find Kava products at checkout counters, sold under multiple brand names. The labeling often makes Kava hard to identify especially when it’s listed only by its botanical name, Piper Methysticum.

Recently, I shared information about the trending product “Feel Free,” a beverage containing both Kratom and Kava.
Read more about Feel Free here

Kava + Kratom + Other Emerging Substances

Why is Kava traveling with, or being pre-mixed into, products that contain Kratom, a drug that acts like an opioid?
Kava can enhance or spike the euphoria of certain opioid-like substances.

I have seen Kava and Kratom mixed together under several brand names and sold in smoke shops, liquor stores, and gas stations. Kava has also been found blended with Tianeptine, a powerful synthetic drug sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin.”

Because products may list only the name Piper Methysticum, it is easy to overlook Kava as an ingredient especially when it appears alongside stronger or trendier substances.

Availability & Age Restrictions

Kava has no age restriction in most states and is widely available online without any age verification. It can also be found in grocery stores, smoke shops, vape shops, liquor stores, and gas stations.

Kava typically does not appear on standard drug tests, allowing it to move easily under the radar.

Why This Matters

As trends continue to evolve, substances like Kava need to be on the radar of parents, schools, prevention professionals, and community leaders. Its increasing connection to alcohol, Kratom, and synthetic drugs makes it an important emerging trend to observe closely.

Listen to my podcast about Kratom and Kava HERE

Check out this DEA Fact Sheet about Kava HERE

https://www.tallcopsaysstop.com/blog/kava-why-old-school-plant-being-associated-street-level-drugs

First identified in the early 2000s, CHS remained a medical mystery for years. Many patients experienced repeated emergency room visits before healthcare providers made the connection between their symptoms and chronic cannabis use.

One distinctive feature of CHS is that symptoms often temporarily improve with hot showers or baths, which has become a key diagnostic clue. Some patients also report relief from topical capsaicin cream, though these measures are not cures.

Treatment options are limited. Traditional anti-nausea medications are largely ineffective, and the only proven long-term solution is complete cessation of cannabis use. This can be challenging due to dependence and the widespread belief that cannabis is harmless.

Emergency departments across the United States are reporting a sharp rise in CHS cases, likely driven by increased cannabis potency and broader access following legalization. Individuals who use cannabis daily or near-daily, begin use during adolescence, or consume it long term are at significantly higher risk.

From a public health perspective, CHS underscores the need for improved education, greater physician awareness, and clearer regulation. Many users are unaware that cannabis can cause such severe physical illness. The condition also complicates the narrative of cannabis as a universally “safe” substance, raising important questions about potency limits, labeling, and consumer guidance in legal markets.

Source:

https://nypost.com/2025/11/29/health/new-health-concern-linked-to-chronic-cannabis-use

Across the United States, methamphetamine use is accelerating at an alarming rate—particularly among people who also use fentanyl. Recent data and clinical observations show that this dangerous combination is reshaping the drug landscape, intensifying overdose risks, and creating new challenges for treatment providers and first responders.

A National Methamphetamine Crisis

Methamphetamine is no longer a regional issue confined to the West Coast. According to national data from January 2021 to June 2024, nearly one-third of all overdose deaths (31.2%) involved methamphetamine. Of those cases, nearly three-quarters (73%) also involved opioids such as fentanyl. This co-involvement underscores how deeply intertwined the two drugs have become.

The New Synthetic “Speedball”

Traditionally, a “speedball” referred to the mixture of cocaine and heroin. Today, an even more dangerous version has emerged: a fully synthetic pairing of methamphetamine—a powerful stimulant—and fentanyl, an ultra-potent opioid.
This combination is readily available, extremely cheap, and often unintentionally consumed, as methamphetamine is frequently contaminated or “doctored” with fentanyl. Because of this, medical responders are now encouraged to administer naloxone even when an individual reports using only meth.

Why This Shift Is Happening

Several factors are driving the rise in methamphetamine use among fentanyl users:

1. Cartel Shift Toward Synthetic Drugs

Drug trafficking organizations increasingly favor synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl. These substances don’t rely on plant cultivation, are easier to hide in transport, and offer higher potency and profit margins compared to heroin or cocaine.

2. Historical Drug Cycles

Drug historian David Musto proposed that opioid and stimulant epidemics often alternate across generations. As memories fade and cultural stressors shift, interest in different types of highs resurfaces—creating cyclical patterns of addiction.

3. Neurobiological Factors

Psychostimulants trigger a sharper and faster release of dopamine than opioids do. This intense neurological reward can lead users to gravitate toward methamphetamine as they seek a more energizing and reinforcing high.

Clinical and Emergency Concerns

Methamphetamine use comes with severe mental and physical health consequences:

Mental Health Effects

Methamphetamine use disorder is associated with significant cognitive issues, mood disturbances, and, for 15–30% of users, psychosis involving paranoia or hallucinations.

Medical Emergencies

Chronic meth use can cause lasting brain damage, but its most acute danger is hyperthermia—a dangerous spike in body temperature that requires immediate cooling and cardiac monitoring.

Managing Meth-Induced Psychosis

While psychotic symptoms often improve with abstinence, antipsychotic medications may be used after the person is stabilized and out of immediate overdose risk.

Current Treatment Options for Methamphetamine Use Disorder

There is no FDA-approved medication specifically for treating methamphetamine use disorder or overdose. However, several approaches have shown promise:

Behavioral Treatments

• Contingency Management (CM): Provides rewards for drug-free tests and has repeatedly proven more effective than counseling alone.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The Matrix Model, which combines CBT with structured outpatient care, helps manage cravings and reduce relapse risk.

Off-Label Medication Approaches

The most successful pharmacological strategy involves combining extended-release injectable naltrexone with extended-release bupropion, which together may help reduce meth use in certain patients.

Source: Psychology Today – “Methamphetamine Use is Growing Among Fentanyl Users”
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-outlook/202510/methamphetamine-use-is-growing-among-fentanyl-users

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Prevalence and Patterns of Use

Vaping has become widespread in both middle and high schools. Many educators report that nicotine use begins as early as sixth grade and reaches its highest levels in ninth and tenth grade. E-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among students, but oral nicotine pouches—such as Zyn—are becoming especially popular with older teens and student athletes.

School bathrooms continue to be the primary location where vaping occurs. Teachers and administrators frequently encounter fruity odors, discarded wrappers, and triggered vape detectors, all of which indicate how normalized these behaviors have become on campus.

⸻

Mental Health and Social Factors

Educators overwhelmingly link student vaping to mental and emotional struggles. Many students report vaping to cope with stress, anxiety, and peer pressure, adopting nicotine as a form of self-medication or a way to fit in socially. Signs of nicotine dependence are common, including withdrawal symptoms and students leaving class repeatedly to vape.

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Impact on Learning and School Culture

Nicotine use is taking a measurable toll on academic performance. Frequent vaping breaks contribute to lost instructional time, classroom disruptions, and decreased focus. Students who do not vape are also affected—many feel uncomfortable using bathrooms associated with vaping, and some experience increased pressure to join in.

Educators report rising burnout, not only from addressing academic needs but also from the constant responsibility of monitoring hallways, bathrooms, and outdoor areas for vaping behavior.

⸻

Policy and Enforcement Challenges

Many school policies are outdated and difficult to enforce. Current rules often require proof that a student is in possession of a vaping device, which can be difficult when devices are small, easily concealed, and rapidly changing in design. Policies also frequently fail to address newer nicotine products like pouches.

Vape detectors, once viewed as a potential solution, have proven largely ineffective. They generate frequent false alarms and place additional strain on administrators already stretched thin.

Additionally, most schools have limited prevention programming, with few assemblies, lessons, or targeted interventions that address the health risks of vaping.

⸻

Community-Wide Concerns

Educators emphasize that vaping is not just a school problem—it is a community problem. Youth see vaping normalized outside of school through flavored products, widespread availability, and adult role models who vape themselves. Teachers argue that meaningful change must involve parents, health organizations, policymakers, and local communities—not just school staff.

⸻

Recommendations and Call to Action

Educators strongly support a comprehensive, multi-level approach to reduce youth nicotine use. Their recommendations include:

• Stronger restrictions on flavored e-cigarette sales at federal, state, and local levels

• Increased funding for tobacco prevention programs through agencies like the CDC and HHS

• Enforced age restrictions and tighter controls on youth-targeted marketing

• Clear, equitable school policies that prioritize support, education, and cessation rather than punishment

• Mass media campaigns to shift youth perception of nicotine use and reduce its appeal

These steps, coupled with broad community collaboration, are essential to protect students’ health and prevent nicotine addiction from continuing to shape school environments.

⸻

Source:

Educator perspectives on nicotine use in schools 2025. Truth Initiative.

A dangerous new class of synthetic opioids—known as nitazenes or benzimidazole-opioids—is rapidly contributing to fatal overdoses across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Although these substances have existed for decades, they were never approved for medical use because of their extreme toxicity. Since re-emerging on the illicit drug market around 2019, nitazenes have quickly become one of the most alarming developments in the ongoing overdose crisis.

Unmatched Potency

Nitazenes vary in strength, but many are as potent as fentanyl, while others are hundreds to thousands of times stronger than morphine. This level of potency makes them incredibly dangerous, especially for individuals who are unaware they are consuming them. Even a microscopic amount can be lethal.

Silent Contaminants in the Drug Supply

The greatest threat posed by nitazenes is their presence as unrecognized contaminants in other illicit substances. Investigators have found nitazenes mixed into or sold as:

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Ketamine
• MDMA
• Fake prescription pills such as counterfeit oxycodone or Xanax

Because users often have no idea nitazenes are present, overdoses happen quickly and without warning.

Rapid International Spread

After entering the illicit market in 2019, nitazenes have spread far beyond their initial appearance. They have been linked to overdose deaths across:

• The United States
• The United Kingdom, Latvia, Sweden, and other parts of Europe
• Canada
• Australia

This rapid global distribution highlights how quickly synthetic drugs can destabilize public health systems worldwide.

Severe Overdose Risk

The risk of fatal overdose is extraordinarily high due to:

• The drugs’ unpredictable potency
• Their presence in substances people do not expect
• The difficulty in identifying them without laboratory testing

A dose too small to see can still be deadly.

Public Health Response

Emergency responders have confirmed that Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse a nitazene overdose. However, because these opioids are so potent and may linger in the body longer than fentanyl, multiple or higher-than-usual doses of Naloxone are often required.

Public health agencies continue to issue alerts, urging people to never use alone, to test substances when possible, and to always carry Naloxone.

Source:

“A New Type of Opioid Is Killing People in the US, Europe, and Australia,” Wired. https://www.wired.com/story/a-new-type-of-opioid-is-killing-people-in-the-us-europe-and-australia/

Defining Trauma in Childhood

The authors define childhood trauma broadly. It encompasses:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) — such as neglect, abuse, or family dysfunction.  
• Early Life Stress (ELS) and toxic stress, including repeated exposure to violence or instability.  

These forms of trauma often overlap, and their combined impact can severely disrupt emotional and physiological functioning, laying the groundwork for later problems. 

Trauma and Substance Use: A Direct Link

One of the key takeaways is that traumatic experiences in childhood are directly linked to an increased risk of substance use during adolescence.  In fact:

• The more adverse experiences a child faces (i.e., a higher “dose” of trauma), the greater their risk — this follows a dose-response pattern.  
• This relationship holds across different substances (alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, illicit drugs) and can lead to a diagnosable Substance Use Disorder (SUD).  

Mechanisms and Consequences of Trauma

To understand how trauma increases risk, the article walks through several interconnected mechanisms:

1. Neurobiological Vulnerability
   
   • Trauma disrupts brain structures key to emotion and decision-making — notably the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala.  
   • It affects the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, which governs stress responses. Prolonged stress may dysregulate cortisol (the stress hormone), impairing the body’s ability to return to baseline.  
   • There are also epigenetic changes (e.g., DNA methylation) from trauma that can permanently alter gene expression related to stress regulation and neuroplasticity.  
3. Psychological and Behavioral Changes
   
   • Trauma-exposed youth often show emotional dysregulation, increased impulsivity, and poor coping skills.  
   • They may adopt avoidance or “self-medication” behaviors — turning to substances to escape or numb emotional pain.  
   • Cognitive shifts, such as threat-based thinking or mistrust, can also push them toward riskier peer groups.  
5. Social and Environmental Pathways
   
   • The risk is compounded when children grow up in environments where substance use is normalized (e.g., caregiver substance use).  
   • Weak attachment bonds, lack of supervision, and association with deviant peers all increase access to substances.  
   • There are intersectional risks — marginalized youth (by race, gender, sexual orientation) may face more trauma, fewer supports, and more risk.  

Why the Risk Isn’t Inevitable: Protective Factors

Not every child who experiences trauma develops substance use problems. The authors identify key buffers:

• Individual traits: Skills like effortful control (self-regulation), resilience, and optimism can reduce risk.  
• Interpersonal supports: Secure attachments to caring adults, strong peer relationships, and community programs protect against substance use.  
• Structural resources: Safe neighborhoods, access to mental health care, and community support systems can mitigate trauma’s effects.  

Effective Interventions & Treatment

The article highlights several promising strategies:

1. Integrated, Trauma-Informed Therapy
   
   • Evidence supports combining Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) with substance-use treatment.  
   • Approaches that merge motivational interviewing with skills-based CBT (targeting both trauma symptoms and substance use) are especially effective.  
3. Early Childhood Programs
   
   • Trauma-informed care in early childhood education (ECEC) settings can prevent long-term risk by building emotional and behavioral resilience early on.  
   • Multi-tiered support systems in schools (teacher training, classroom interventions, individual services) are promising.  
5. Family & Community Interventions
   
   • Family-based programs that improve parenting and address parental substance use or violence help reduce trauma’s impact.  
   • Community-level work — like strengthening neighborhood supports, increasing access to services, and building safe spaces — is also vital.  
7. Systemic Change: Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)
   
   • The authors call for widespread adoption of trauma-informed care in settings like schools, healthcare, and youth services.  
   • Key elements: staff training, routine screening for trauma, policies that avoid retraumatizing young people.  

Future Directions: What’s Next in Research & Practice

To make real progress, Hoffmann and Hoffmann argue for:

• Longitudinal research that tracks individuals over time, from childhood through adolescence, to see how trauma exposure shapes substance use trajectories.  
• Multilevel data approaches: integrating biological (e.g., epigenetic), psychological, and social measures to build a full picture of risk and resilience.  
• Culturally responsive care: Studies and interventions must adapt to the experiences of marginalized populations who are more likely to experience trauma.  
• Implementation research: Not just “what works in ideal settings,” but “what works, for whom, in real-world systems” — school-based programs, clinics, community organizations.  

Conclusion

In sum, Hoffmann and Hoffmann’s integrative review highlights that childhood trauma is more than a risk factor — it changes the developing brain, emotional systems, and behavior in ways that increase vulnerability to substance use. But the story is not all doom: protective factors at multiple levels, combined with trauma-informed, integrated interventions, can significantly reduce risk. Importantly, preventive and treatment efforts must start early, operate across systems, and be tailored to diverse communities. As they note, addressing trauma is not just about healing individuals, but about reshaping environments to support resilience and healthier development.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12427455

In schools across the United States, nicotine use among adolescents has become a pressing and rapidly evolving challenge. According to the 2025 report Educator Perspectives on Nicotine Use in Schools published by Truth Initiative, teachers and school staff are witnessing an alarming surge in vaping and nicotine pouch use among students—some as young as sixth graders (Truth Initiative, 2025).

Prevalence and Patterns of Use

The report reveals that vaping has become widespread in both middle and high schools. Educators note that experimentation can begin as early as sixth grade, with use peaking around ninth and tenth grades—just as students are navigating significant academic and social pressures. E-cigarettes remain the most frequently used nicotine product, followed by oral nicotine pouches such as Zyn. Teachers also report that older students and student-athletes appear to be particularly drawn to oral nicotine products.

School bathrooms are identified as a primary location for vaping. Educators describe fruity odors, discarded vape wrappers, and frequent vape detector alarms as daily reminders of the issue (Truth Initiative, 2025).

Mental Health and Social Pressures

Students report that vaping helps them cope with stress, anxiety, and peer pressure. Educators observe that many students use nicotine as an informal method of “self-medicating.” Peer groups also normalize vaping as a bonding activity. The report highlights clear indicators of nicotine dependence in schools: students show withdrawal symptoms, difficulty concentrating, and urgent cravings between classes.

Impact on Learning and School Climate

Nicotine use isn’t just a health concern—it disrupts learning. Educators report that students leave class repeatedly to vape, causing interruptions and lost instructional time. The vaping crisis also affects students who do not vape. Many feel uncomfortable using bathrooms or shared spaces due to peer pressure or exposure to vape aerosol.

Teachers and administrators are experiencing burnout. Monitoring vaping adds to their workload and takes time away from academic responsibilities.

Policy and Enforcement Struggles

Schools are struggling to keep pace with evolving nicotine products. Existing policies are often broad and difficult to enforce, requiring proof that a student possesses a nicotine product. Newer products, like oral nicotine pouches, are easily concealed and sometimes overlooked in discipline policies.

Vape detectors, while widely installed, are described as ineffective and burdensome, creating false alarms and increasing administrative work rather than solving the issue.

The report also highlights a lack of consistent prevention education. Many schools do not have dedicated programming, lessons, or assemblies to teach students about nicotine risks.

Community-Wide Concerns

Educators emphasize that nicotine use does not begin—or end—at school. Vaping is normalized in the wider community, with flavored products readily accessible. Some students even see adults using the same products, making them seem harmless or socially acceptable.

Teachers overwhelmingly express that solving this crisis requires more than school discipline—it requires community involvement, policy action, and cultural change.

Recommendations and Call to Action

To address the rising rates of nicotine use, Truth Initiative recommends comprehensive strategies, including:

• Restricting flavored e-cigarette sales at federal, state, and local levels
• Expanding funding for prevention programs, particularly through the CDC and HHS
• Stronger enforcement of age restrictions and marketing limitations
• School policies that focus on support and cessation rather than punishment
• Mass media campaigns to reshape youth perception of nicotine use

Educators stress that meaningful change will require collaboration among policymakers, health agencies, schools, and families.

Citation:
Truth Initiative. (2025). Educator perspectives on nicotine use in schools 2025. Retrieved from https://truthinitiative.org/sites/default/files/media/files/2025/09/Educator%20perspectives%20on%20nicotine%20use%20in%20schools%202025.pdf

In April 2025, NBA star Duncan Robinson of the Detroit Pistons experienced a heartbreaking loss—his older brother, Eli Robinson, died by suicide after years of living with schizophrenia and addiction. Eli’s passing marked the end of a long and courageous battle, but it also sparked a new mission for the Robinson family: helping others who are struggling with mental illness and supporting the families who walk through it with them.

A Deep Bond Between Brothers

Duncan and Eli shared an unbreakable bond. Throughout Duncan’s NBA journey, Eli would call his younger brother multiple times around games to offer encouragement. Eli was full of energy, love, and a genuine passion for those around him. Duncan has said that Eli wasn’t depressed—he was “tortured” by a disease he couldn’t escape. He loved life and people, even when his mind turned against him.

Eli’s Battle with Mental Illness

Eli’s struggle began with addiction to marijuana and alcohol, which his mother believes helped trigger the onset of schizophrenia. In 2021, he was officially diagnosed with the condition. From then on, the family tried everything to help him find stability and peace.

Over the years, Eli went through:

• More than 24 medications
• 16 psychiatric hospitalizations
• 30 electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments

Despite these efforts, he continued to experience painful auditory hallucinations and mental suffering.

A Family Fighting for Care

Eli’s family—his mother Marta, a licensed therapist, and his sister Elisabeth, a nurse practitioner—used their professional knowledge and resources to seek the best mental health care possible. Even so, they faced overwhelming challenges within the mental health care system, highlighting how difficult it can be to navigate treatment and access effective support, even with financial means and expertise.

Six months after a previous attempt, Eli died by suicide after jumping from the Piscataqua River Bridge. His family was devastated—but determined to honor him in a meaningful way.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

To carry forward Eli’s legacy, the Robinson family created the Robinson Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving access to mental health care and providing support to families in similar situations. They have already raised over $120,000 for the Seacoast Mental Health Center, where Eli once received treatment.

The family is also working to prevent future tragedies by advocating for suicide-prevention tools on local bridges, such as:

• Emergency signage
• Physical barriers and fencing to deter jumping

Duncan Robinson Speaks Out

Known for being private, Duncan has started to publicly share Eli’s story in hopes of reducing stigma and raising awareness around mental illness, addiction, and suicide. He says his decision to speak out is inspired by Eli’s bravery and openness about his own struggles.

Every day, Duncan wears Eli’s sobriety necklace—an intimate symbol of his brother’s strength, recovery efforts, and the lasting impact he left on their family and community.

To read the full story, visit:
https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nba/nba-duncan-robinson-eli-robinson-detroit-pistons-rcna234969