Middle schoolers learn about the health dangers of drugs

Lynn Riemer, the founder and president of ACT (Adolescent and Community Training) on Drugs spoke to seventh- and eighth-graders on Wednesday, explaining the dangers of vaping, meth, fentanyl, marijuana, misuse of over-the-counter medicine and more. Riemer's frank, honest and direct presentation style captured students' attention, and they peppered her with questions throughout the hour-plus session in the EMS auditorium.

A chemist and former member of the North Metro Drug Task Force, Riemer (above) explained the science behind how drugs work, why they're so addictive, and the heavy toll they take on users' physical health. She noted for instance, the cancer-causing, lung-choking and brain-destroying chemicals that are in vapes as well as the fact that one JUUL pod's nicotine content is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes.

She also provided disturbing details on the dangerous potency and availability of fentanyl, which is a major contributor to drug overdoses becoming the leading cause of death for people 15-44 in the U.S.

Here are a few of the slides she explained to students during her presentation: