Gwangju Seogu Launches Drug Abuse Prevention Campaign for High School Students

Drug Prevention Education for Teenagers Also Conducted

Seogu District in Gwangju (headed by Mayor Kim Ikang) conducted a drug abuse prevention campaign targeting local high school students.

According to Seogu District on May 12, this prevention campaign was organized as a response to the growing severity of illegal distribution and addiction to medical narcotics among teenagers.

Seogu District conducted a drug abuse prevention campaign targeting local high school students. Photo by Seogu District

Recently, there has been an increase in cases of teenagers being prescribed medical narcotics such as anti-anxiety drugs, ADHD medications, and appetite suppressants. The illegal sale and addiction stemming from the misuse of these prescriptions have emerged as serious social issues.

In particular, there have been a series of concerning cases involving the illegal distribution of appetite suppressants and the abuse of fentanyl patches (narcotic analgesics).

Through this campaign, the district plans to raise awareness among students on their way to school by distributing informational materials about the dangers and side effects of drug abuse, thereby heightening vigilance among youth. The campaign, which began at Seoseok High School on this day, will be expanded to Sangil Girls’ High School and Gwangdeok High School in the future.

In addition, the district is collaborating with the Korea Association Against Drug Abuse to provide drug prevention education to youths using local children's centers. The district also supports anonymous, free testing for six types of drugs, including methamphetamine, cannabis, and cocaine, at the Seogu Public Health Center for those suspected of drug exposure.

Lee Sangyong, head of the Health Administration Division, stated, "Drugs are like a maze with no exit?just a single moment of curiosity can be dangerous," adding, "We will continue to carry out various prevention activities, including school-route campaigns, to ensure that young people can grow up safely and healthily."