Students confront addiction risks in powerful school performance

Students at Neuwied's Kinzing School recently experienced a powerful prevention program when Theater Requisit returned with its production "First the Fun, Then the Consequences." The interactive performance gave young people an in-depth look at the risks of addiction.

What makes the program unique is its direct dialogue with the audience after the show. The actors—many of whom have firsthand experience with substance dependence—share their personal stories with raw honesty, offering a compelling and authentic perspective on the dangers of addiction. Their accounts, marked by deep credibility and candor, encourage students to think critically and reflect on their own choices. Unflinching answers to the young audience's questions spark meaningful self-examination.

"All the teachers and students agreed it was an informative and engaging project day that should definitely be repeated in the coming years," said Marco Schneider, the school's social worker, who initiated the theater project. The prevention program was made possible through support from Rhineland-Palatinate's Ministry of Education and the Barmer health insurance fund's "Healthy School, Strong School" initiative.