Police warn camp youth about drugs and legal highs

In Serwy, a police officer from the Augustów area met with participants of a summer holiday camp. The focus was not a siren-filled operation or an arrest, but a topic that becomes especially important during the summer months: staying safe on vacation—and the risks linked to drugs and so-called “dopalacze” (legal highs).

The discussion was part of an ongoing prevention campaign with a blunt message: “Narkotyki i dopalacze zabijają” (“Drugs and legal highs kill”). The aim is to reach young people early, before curiosity, peer pressure, or misinformation leads to dangerous choices. In holiday camps, by lakes, or at events, teenagers are often out and about, trying new things and underestimating the consequences.

Prevention instead of reaction

During the meeting, the officer relied on education and concrete examples from the daily work of public safety services. In this context, prevention means making risks understandable, naming warning signs, and showing how to act correctly in critical situations. For many teenagers, this is their first direct contact with the police outside a formal setting—and a chance to ask questions openly.

One key point was the difference between classic illegal drugs and so-called “legal highs,” which are often falsely portrayed as harmless or “legal.” The officer stressed that the composition of these substances is frequently unknown and their effects can be highly unpredictable. In practice, this repeatedly leads to acute emergencies because users do not know what they have actually taken.

Why summer can increase risk for teenagers

During school holidays, routines change: less structure, more time with friends, and more occasions for parties or spontaneous trips. In this phase, group dynamics matter. Wanting to belong makes it easier to say “yes,” even when your instincts say “no.” Prevention talks aim to strengthen confidence in setting boundaries.

The officer also discussed how intoxicating substances are linked to typical accident and conflict situations. Under the influence, people misjudge distances, react more slowly, and make more impulsive decisions. Near water, in traffic, or during late-night activities, this can quickly become dangerous. The approach is not to overwhelm with fear, but to make risks tangible and offer alternatives.

“Patoklimaty”: online spaces with real-world consequences

Another topic was so-called “patoklimaty,” meaning online milieus where risky behavior is glorified or normalized. In these spaces, dares, boundary-pushing, and substance use may be staged as status symbols. Teenagers often encounter such content casually—and do not realize how much it can shift their perception. What looks “cool” in a video often has serious health, legal, and social consequences in real life.

The officer explained that prevention today no longer happens only at sports fields or schoolyards. It also involves building media literacy: checking sources critically, recognizing manipulation, and not letting staged content create pressure. In holiday camps, where groups are close-knit, online trends can quickly spill over into real-life actions.

Practical rules for emergencies

Alongside background knowledge, the meeting covered practical guidance: What should you do if someone suddenly collapses after consuming a substance? Which symptoms are red flags? And why is it crucial to call for help immediately instead of staying silent out of fear of trouble? The officer emphasized that fast medical support can save lives and that hesitation in emergencies is often the most dangerous decision.

The role of friends was also addressed. In groups, responsibility emerges: do not look away, do not downplay, and do not “go along” when things escalate. Prevention in these conversations also means encouraging solidarity—and showing that it is a strength to organize help or to remove someone from a risky situation.

• Take warning signs seriously: unusual agitation, breathing problems, altered consciousness.
• In emergencies, call for help immediately and do not hesitate out of fear of consequences.
• Recognize peer pressure and set clear boundaries—even if others call it “normal.”
• Question online trends critically: staging is not proof of safety.

Why these meetings matter

The meeting in Serwy shows what everyday safety work looks like when it starts before an incident happens. Instead of reacting only after offenses, the police invest in early information and dialogue. Campaigns such as “Narkotyki i dopalacze zabijają” aim to share knowledge, correct myths, and give young people tools for safer decisions.

Especially during the holiday season, when many teenagers are out enjoying new freedoms, a conversation like this can sharpen awareness. It is about more than rules—it is about health, responsibility, and the ability to recognize risks before they escalate. The message remains sober: being informed helps protect yourself and others.