CARLSBAD, Calif., October 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to the growing crisis of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, Hopeful Life is proud to announce a vital new initiative in the fight against youth substance abuse. As our nation continues to grapple with the devastating rise of synthetic drugs, there remains a critical gap in educating our youth about the dangers of substance abuse before they make life-altering, or even life-ending, decisions.

Young lives are at risk, and many of them are not fully aware of the dangers. Tragically, drug prevention education is still not a national priority, and our hardest-hit communities often lack the resources to address this crisis head-on. Without proper education, substance abuse continues to destroy futures. This must change. We have partnered with Rocky Herron, a former DEA agent with 31 years of experience, to bring his life-saving drug prevention education directly to schools and communities across the country.

This partnership marks a new chapter for Hopeful Life, as we formally introduce Rocky’s powerful presentations, I Choose My Future, into our comprehensive approach to combating substance abuse. Rocky has successfully engaged over 250,000 youth in 17 countries, transforming the way students think about drugs and their long-term impact. His emotionally charged presentations go beyond raising awareness—they inspire change. Rocky’s presentations connect with students on a personal level, showing them the real-world consequences of drug abuse. His message empowers them to make choices that protect their health and future. As one student shared, "students often comment that they have been told many times that drugs are ‘bad’ but I Choose My Future made them understand why."

Rocky’s presentations don’t just raise awareness—they change lives. In a recent survey of students in Montana, 64.6% of respondents reported knowing someone personally affected by drug use. After attending Rocky’s presentation, 79.8% of students expressed deeper concern about drug use in their communities, and a remarkable 90.1% felt more comfortable seeking help for themselves or others, a profound shift in understanding and behavior (Rocky Herron Survey Results).

Rocky’s message cuts through the statistics and connects with students on a personal level. They don’t just hear about drug dangers, they see the real-world consequences and are empowered to make choices that shape their futures. As one student shared, "This presentation gave me even more reason to stay away from drugs"​ (Survey).