St. Mary junior high students participated in a distance learning session with the Cleveland Clinic recently on the effects of opioids on the brain...
Distance Learning Session
St. Mary junior high students participated in a distance learning session with the Cleveland Clinic recently on the effects of opioids on the brain. They simulated what it is like when the brain gets too much dopamine.
Each student had one paper ball thrown at five baskets set up at the front of the room, which represented a normal response and feeling of satisfaction. Then, they had five paper balls at three baskets that represented taking a prescription opioid as directed by a doctor. This was more dopamine than the normal response the brain would get.
Finally the students simulated what it is like when a person is addicted to opioids and needs to take the drug to feel normal. It overwhelms the brain and trains the brain to think that this is what it needs to feel satisfied and happy.
