Learners have access to the DopaGE Training Portal for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Throughout this time, students have access to all of the primary learning materials, in addition to:

• the DopaGE Good Samaritan Law database for all US states and Canada

• instructions on how to use Fentanyl Test Strips

• How to safely dispose of a Fentanyl-contaminated substance

• Access to their Certificate of Achievement

• Review of all primary learning materials after achieving course completion

The DopaGE Training Portal takes approximately 60 minutes to complete and can be finished in a single session or multiple based on the learner’s preference.

The Portal uses computerized adaptive testing technology that adjusts to each student's learning pace and understanding. Students who stay focused and engaged can move through the materials efficiently, while those who need more time with certain concepts receive additional practice and review.

To ensure students actually learn the material (rather than just clicking through), the system requires active participation. The training pauses if students navigate away from the content, and students must demonstrate they understand key concepts before moving to the next level. This ensures that every student who completes their training has absorbed the life-saving information.

Students who pay attention throughout the training will finish within the 60-minute timeframe, while those who get distracted or need extra review may require additional time. Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement that confirms they have mastered essential safety knowledge to prevent, recognize, and respond to overdoses.

The DopaGE Prevention Portal does not encourage substance use, nor does it directly state “don’t do drugs,” “just say no,” or similar abstinence-only messaging that longitudinal studies have shown to be ineffective.

The learning materials include portrayals of characters using substances for the purpose of demonstrating the physical and psychological effects during and after use. These characters are non-human so as not to encourage substance use behaviors. By showing characters participating in use of substances and thoroughly describing the experience, the training supports learners in:

• Developing specific defenses for themselves as to why they do not want to participate in substance use and creating meaningful protection against peer pressure.

• Reducing the perception of novelty and sense of curiosity that young adults commonly report as a primary factor in their choice to experiment with substance use.

• Learning evidence-based risk reduction practices they would need to use or support a friend in using in the event substance use experimentation does occur.

• Understanding that, while substance use can be viewed as socially acceptable in some scenarios, social acceptance does not change the risks associated with substance use.

Our approach is grounded in peer-reviewed research demonstrating that comprehensive education—including accurate information about both risks and safety practices—is more effective at preventing substance-related consequences than abstinence-only programs. This methodology uses realistic education as a tool for both deterrence and risk prevention.

All learning materials are based on peer-reviewed, journal-published literature and data from authoritative government sources including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Content is apolitical and designed to be inclusive of learners from all backgrounds.

DopaGE training has been researched and developed since 2020, before launching with academic institutions in January 2025.

All learning materials are built exclusively from peer-reviewed, journal-published literature and authoritative government sources, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Content is sourced by our team of neuroscience and public health researchers, with all selection criteria and materials subject to review and approval by our Clinical Board (see full member credentials and specialties on our Clinical Board page here).

Once the foundational data is finalized, training scenarios are developed through a systemic collaboration between our clinical experts and multidisciplinary creative team. Each training module undergoes numerous review stages by our Clinical Board to ensure all topics are accurately and clearly presented to learners.

The overall learner experience is architected by video game engineers and neuroscience-trained designers to create a world that maximizes learners' attention, uses their time efficiently, and, very importantly, feels fun.

DopaGE training is designed for computers and tablets to optimize learning effectiveness for this critical safety education.

Research demonstrates that focused attention is a requirement for retaining learned information. Mobile phones generate significantly more notifications and interruptions than computers or tablets, creating an environment that undermines the concentrated attention necessary for mastering essential safety concepts that prevent major harms and save lives.

The DopaGE Training Portal is designed to maximize learning outcomes in a distraction-minimized environment. On computers and tablets, we employ technology that prevents multitasking during training sessions, ensuring learners can focus fully on the interactive scenarios and safety protocols without the constant interruptions that characterize mobile phone use.

Our substance selection is based on a risk assessment framework that identifies the highest-threat substances young adults are most likely to encounter in real-world situations.

Our analysis considers both harm potential and experimentation likelihood. For example, while cannabis is widely used, it very rarely causes life-threatening harm. Conversely, a substance like heroin poses extreme danger but is rarely a young adult’s choice for experimentation. Our training focuses on substances that fall into the critical intersection of high risk and high probability of encounter.

These substances are regularly glamorized in popular culture and commonly encountered by young adults in social settings and online, including Cocaine, MDMA (molly/ecstasy), and prescription depressants. These substances represent the most significant threat because they combine social accessibility with serious health risks.

A critical component of our training addresses fentanyl contamination. Given that a dose of any of these substances may now be adulterated with fentanyl, our learners receive comprehensive training in contamination recognition and emergency overdose response protocols. These skills provide essential preparation for potentially life-threatening situations.

Additionally, we address polysubstance use, particularly the dangerous combination of these substances with alcohol. This practice significantly increases fatality risk among young people, so our evidence-based training scenarios specifically target prevention of these harmful combinations.

Every substance included in our curriculum represents a documented risk that young people face in actual social environments, ensuring our training addresses genuine threats rather than theoretical concerns.