As a high school student with a deep passion for public health, I am particularly intrigued by the complex issue of substance use and related disorders, with a particular focus on the opioid crisis. My interest originally stemmed from disturbing reports of multiple students overdosing in my community. As I learned more about the extent of drug use and addiction among young people, a desire grew to more comprehensively understand this issue: from how the opioid problem erupted to what can be done to curb the epidemic. My curiosity extends beyond domestic concerns, to encompass the international dimensions of this issue, including the global drug trade, supply chain issues, and migration of populations. Ultimately, by gaining a deeper understanding of the many perspectives of substance abuse and the opioid crisis, we can be better informed in showing support to help curb this crisis.