Students And Parents Aim To Fight Addiction, Provide Resources

Students from Northeast High School acted out various scenes during The Human Experience at Marley Station Mall the evening of Oct. 11. The performance was part of an annual event – formerly the House of Addiction – designed to teach youth about the dangers of addiction and how to cope with feelings and fears. Even though the scenes were staged with student actors, the display sent a powerful message: this is the aftermath of addiction.

Organizers want kids to talk about their problems before it’s too late. By showing them the possible outcome of addiction, the adults hope to intervene.

The display included a party-scene, a central booking center, a 30-day treatment room, an emergency room, and a funeral scene. The display concluded with Denise Williams, who shared her story of losing her sons Ryan and Matt to addiction.

This year’s event also provided a number of resources for visitors following the performance portion.