Candor Health Education launches free video game for kids

Last year’s record number (100,000) of deaths in the U.S. due to drug overdose is frightening. One local not-for-profit is working hard to prevent early use of drugs and alcohol.

Candor Health Education provides drug, alcohol and sex education to Illinois students in grades four to eight, and has just launched a free, kid-friendly online game to provide pre-teens and teens tools for making healthy choices about drugs and alcohol. Called ‘Pixelton Adventures,’ the game features a Minecraft-style platform, allowing users to choose their own avatar and move through a series of daily decisions, challenges, and pressures, such as navigating friendships, balancing finals week, and managing extracurricular activities. With seven different episodes, Pixelton Adventures is free to students, but is also available at no cost to parents and teachers for use in conversations about drug and alcohol prevention.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse, 70% of people who try an illegal drug by age 13 will develop a substance abuse disorder.

Experts agree that early education and prevention are key to reversing the trend.

“It is never too early to start conversations with children about drugs, alcohol, and the harm they can inflict,” explains Katie Gallagher, Director of Education, Candor Health Education. “We are hopeful that Pixelton will provide a fun way for students to think through how they will navigate situations and challenges that could lead to drug and alcohol use.

A young person’s brain changes rapidly during adolescence. During this time, the connections between neurons are strengthening and those that are unused go away. Chemical changes to the brain caused by drugs interfere with this process and can increase the likelihood of developing an addiction.

To play Pixelton Adventures or for more information on any of the Candor Health Education programs, visit www.candorhealthed.org.