Drug Prevention Charity Urges Kids to Pursue Their Natural High

Jon Sundt lost both of his younger brothers to drugs. Steven died of a cocaine overdose in the backseat of a police car, while Eric committed suicide due to depression that was very likely linked to his long-term drug use. For more than a decade, the Sundt family struggled with Steven and Eric's drug addiction and looked for adequate resources to help them get well. During their search, the Sundts came across privately funded programs that provided free treatment to young people with substance abuse issues. Encouraged by these non-profit centers and believing that they could also make a lasting impact in the lives of children, Sundt, with the support of his wife and family, started the Sundt Memorial Foundation in 1994.


Following the deaths of his brothers, Sundt realized that they might not have gotten into drugs if they were aware of how devastating the effects were. This led to the production of the Natural High DVDs, a series of videos that aim to steer young people away from drugs. Featuring interviews with drug-free celebrities, athletes, and role models, as well as exciting music and action shots, the DVDs encourage kids to say no to drugs and alcohol and say yes to life and pursue their natural high. Previous celebrity messengers include Grammy-nominated rock band Switchfoot, WNBA player Lisa Leslie, and professional skateboarder Paul Rodriguez, Jr.

In 2011, the Sundt Memorial Foundation officially changed its name to Natural High after the series it is best known for. The DVDs are sent free to public, private, and alternative schools throughout the US. There are currently five volumes, with Natural High 6 scheduled to be released in fall 2013. Aside from the DVDs, Natural High also produces an online series of short videos that kids can view from home or teachers can assign as homework.