"Narkotyki i dopalacze zabijają" – prevention lesson in Augustów

Under the urgent motto "Narkotyki i dopalacze zabijają" – drugs and designer drugs kill – a prevention event was held in Augustów, where a local police officer met with students of the Zesół Szkół Technicznych. The aim of the meeting was to sensitize young people at an early stage to the dangers of illegal drugs and so‑called "dopalacze", synthetic designer substances, and to explain the legal consequences of offences.

The officer used the direct exchange in the classroom to combine legal facts, personal impressions from everyday police work and realistic examples. She emphasized that entry into drug use often begins inconspicuously – for example with supposedly harmless experiments among friends – and can quickly turn into a spiral of addiction, health damage and conflicts with the law.

Legal responsibility of minors

One focus of the event was the criminal responsibility of young people. The officer explained from which age criminal liability applies in Poland and which provisions are particularly relevant in drug offences. She referred to typical situations from the everyday life of adolescents: carrying small quantities at a party, reselling to friends or storing substances for third parties.

The students learned that even seemingly "small" offences can have far‑reaching consequences. An entry in the criminal record, probation conditions or even prison sentences can significantly complicate future careers, for example when applying for jobs in the public sector or in security‑related fields. The officer stressed that the justice system distinguishes between users, dealers and those who incite others, but that any involvement in drug offences is taken seriously.

Health risks of drugs and "dopalacze"

In addition to legal aspects, the health dimension played a central role. The officer pointed out that classic drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines or cocaine already pose a considerable risk to body and mind. However, so‑called "dopalacze" are particularly critical: synthetic substances with often unknown composition that are marketed under harmless‑sounding names.

Using examples from Polish police reports, she made it clear that these substances can lead to tachycardia, seizures, severe psychoses and, in the worst case, death. Doctors are often confronted with the problem that they do not know the exact substance and can only provide symptomatic treatment in emergencies. Even a single intake can have life‑changing consequences.

Psychological and social consequences

Beyond the acute physical risks, the speaker also addressed the long‑term psychological and social consequences of drug use. Concentration problems, depression, anxiety and personality changes can significantly impair school, vocational training and relationships. Conflicts within the family, dropping out of school and the loss of friendships are anything but rare.

The police officer emphasized that behind every statistic there are concrete fates: young people who had to abandon their education because they became dependent, or families confronted with the consequences of a fatal intoxication. This personal perspective was intended to show students that these are not abstract warnings but real dangers.

Prevention through education and civil courage

Another important point was the role of the young people themselves in prevention. The officer encouraged them to ask questions, to challenge myths and to seek advice from adults or professional services in case of doubt. She made it clear that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but an expression of responsibility for oneself and others.

At the same time, she called for civil courage within peer groups: anyone who notices that someone is using dangerous substances or getting into risky situations should not look away. Early conversations and involving trusted persons or professional counselling centres can help prevent problems from escalating.

Cooperation between school and police

The event in Augustów is part of a broader prevention strategy in which schools and the police work closely together. Regular information sessions, project days and visits from experts are intended to ensure that young people receive sound knowledge about drugs, law and health.

The management of the Zesół Szkół Technicznych expressly supports this concept because it complements school education with an important life skill: the ability to recognize risks and make responsible decisions. For the police, such meetings provide an opportunity to build trust and reduce barriers towards state institutions.

Signal to the public

With the striking slogan "Narkotyki i dopalacze zabijają", the Augustów police also send a clear signal to the public. Drug prevention is understood not only as the task of specialized units but as a shared responsibility of schools, families, authorities and the entire local community.

The meeting with the students shows that education is a central instrument in the fight against drug abuse. By openly addressing risk factors, clearly naming legal consequences and presenting concrete support services, young people are given the chance to make informed and conscious decisions for a healthy, drug‑free life.