Youth and young adults are choosing to take a stand and change the conversation, change their futures and Change the Game related to their physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
These GameChangers come from all walks of life and every corner of our state.
- GameChangers in Organized Sports
- GameChangers in Band, Chorus, Drama & Other Clubs
- GameChangers in Scholastic Achievement
- GameChangers for Individual Health & Wellbeing
- GameChangers for Family, Faith & Community
- GameChangers for Self
It’s all about choices.
Because choices can Change the Game.
West Virginia high school kids have come a long way! Looking at the numbers, they’re already Changing the Game – and they have been for years.
Youth have been Changing the Game with healthy decisions. As new challenges emerge – like the Opioid Epidemic – they need real facts and support to continue making good choices.
GameChangers is here to empower WV youth – with straight-up facts and information, solid support and major amplification of their voice as they work to Change the Game in their local communities, statewide and beyond.
Today:
Compared to:
Opioid dependence can happen in just FIVE DAYS.
It can happen to anybody.
While many people take Prescription Opioids as directed under a doctor’s care, there are risks that we should know.
Risks include:
- Taking Opioids puts you at risk for dependence and addiction
- Opioids affect the brain’s “reward circuit” and flood the brain with the chemical messenger dopamine. Dopamine surges encourage you to repeat the unhealthy behavior of taking drugs – which can lead to dependence and addiction.
- Addiction is a disease – a primary, chronic disease of the brain’s reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry – it’s called “Substance Use Disorder” (SUD) or “Opioid Use Disorder” (OUD), and it can be treated.
- More than 115 Americans die every day from Opioid overdose.
- West Virginia has the highest drug overdose death rate in the nation.
- Prescription drug misuse is highest among those ages 18 to 25.
- 80% of heroin users started with prescription pain killers (aka Opioids)
- Types of Prescription Opioids:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®, Percodan®)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Lortab®)
- Diphenoxylate (Lomotil®)
- Morphine (Kadian®, Avinza®)
- Codeine
- Fentanyl (Duragesic®)
- Propoxyphene (Darvon®)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)
- Meperidine (Demerol®)
- Methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®)
Citations: National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens; National Institute on Drug Abuse
Become a GameChanger!
Stand up and stand out.
Fact: Most youth and young adults are NOT involved in substance misuse and other unhealthy behaviors.
In Fact: The majority of WV youth are making a positive difference.
GameChangers is here to amplify these positive choices, voices and actions – to Change the Game, improve the future and make a difference for WV.
What is GameChangers?
GameChangers is the youth-led prevention, peer-to-peer influence, positive youth development and community enhancement organization designed to educate, support and empower teens to make healthy choices and become leaders.
While we’re focused on the Opioid Epidemic, GameChangers have a positive impact on much, much more.
Become a GameChanger
- In Your Local Community
If you’re a GameChanger – or want to become one – check back here to find local groups, sign up to win GameChangers swag, gift cards, scholarship opportunities and more!
- At the Statewide Level – Apply for “TAC”
TAC stands for “Teen Advisory Council,” which is a representative group of youth from across the state working together to help define, shape and guide the entire GameChanger organization.
It’s an awesome responsibility and a great opportunity!
Become a GameChanger
Getting Help – can really Change the Game.
Here’s where to find it.
If you or someone you know may need help with drug dependence or addiction, these trusted resources can help. GameChangers is here to draw attention to the fantastic groups and organizations working with youth and young adults in local communities. Listed below are several of these outstanding resources.
Recovery Resources:
