Addressing Substance Abuse in Schools: Prevention and Intervention

Young people are known to take risks and among the riskiest behaviors they engage in are the misuse of nicotine, alcohol, or drugs. Given that most children and youth are involved in some type of educational program, schools are the ideal setting in which to prevent, identify, treat, and provide solutions to drug abuse in schools and mental illness concerns.

• Some of the terms used throughout this blog can have a high association with negative judgments, which is why it is important to educate yourself on each term and use them appropriately.
• A “substance” is a psychoactive compound that can cause health and social problems and can affect a person’s ability to function in day-to-day life.
• “Substance misuse” is generally associated with prescription medications and is when a substance is taken for a purpose that is not consistent with legal or medical guidelines. This may include taking the incorrect dose, taking a drug that was not prescribed to you, or taking a drug for reasons other than why they were prescribed.
• “Substance abuse”, on the other hand, is generally associated with alcohol, illicit drugs, or any psychoactive substance when they are used to achieve a state of intoxication or inflict self-harm.
• A “substance-use disorder” is a medical condition that disrupts the normal, healthy functioning of the mind and body, affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

The purpose of this blog is to discuss effective prevention strategies and intervention programs to address substance abuse issues among students within a school setting.

Which Substances are Misused and Why

Teenagers misuse and abuse substances for various reasons, including the desire to feel good, alleviate stress, perform better, curiosity, lack of awareness, and peer pressure. Additionally, a person’s age, mental health, life transitions, individual risk factors, genetic predisposition, early life experiences, LGBTQI+ identity, family dynamics, peer influence, school-related risk factors, and community surroundings can serve as underlying reasons for substance abuse.

Among the substances most commonly abused by teens, alcohol takes the top spot, followed closely by marijuana, which is on the rise with the use of alcohol declining. Nicotine, tobacco, and e-cigarettes/vaping also feature prominently, alongside prescription stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall, as well as painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin. Other drugs include Spice/K2, heroin, crystal meth, MDMA, hallucinogens, DXM, inhalants, amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, synthetic substances, and central nervous system depressants.

The Impact of Substance Abuse on Students

Substance misuse and abuse among students have far-reaching consequences, impacting their physical and psychological well-being and often extending to their relationships and academic performance. Those struggling with substance-use disorders may be fully aware but find it incredibly challenging to quit.

The effects of drug abuse on students can be profound. It can result in poor grades, diminished self-esteem, memory issues, attention deficits, and subpar social skills, all of which make it harder to connect with peers and excel in school. These consequences lead to a higher likelihood of dropping out before graduation. Teen substance abuse can even disrupt neurological development and lead to severe mental health problems, including depression, developmental delays, anxiety, personality disorders, and suicidal thoughts. It also often prompts risky behaviors such as driving under the influence and unsafe sexual practices. This highlights the urgent need for support and prevention programs in educational settings.

Ways to Prevent Drug Abuse in Schools

Schools and families play a pivotal role in the protection of students from drug abuse. Here are some ways to prevent drug abuse in schools:

• Teach accurate, up-to-date scientific information about substances and substance-use disorders and communicate drug awareness for students.
• Foster a strong support system, aiding in resisting the pressure of peers.
• Incorporate substance abuse education into the curriculum.
• Arrange guest speakers and workshops.
• Establish clear drug-free school policies with consequences for violations, communicating these to families.
• Foster peer mentorship and student-led initiatives.
• Educate school staff through training that helps identify “at-risk” students and how to best support them.
• Educate families by providing them with information on how to discuss substance abuse with their children and recognize the warning signs.
• Form partnerships with the community.
• Create “exit plans”, offering solutions to peer pressure scenarios.
• Offer a range of support systems, including after-school programs, life-skills training, and counseling services.
• Educators should model appropriate substance use outside of school.

How Can Schools Address Substance Abuse

When addressing and finding solutions to drug abuse in schools, there are several evidence-based interventions, tiered programs, grade-specific strategies, and support dynamics to explore. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome. Here are some ways on how schools can address substance abuse:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the appropriate behavioral health treatment.
• Provide early intervention to students who are at risk or show signs of substance abuse.
• Implement screening programs. The Student Risk Screening Scale (SRSS) is an example of a screener that identifies “at-risk” students.
• Establish the role of school counselors and other school staff.
• Inform and train educators on how to discuss substance abuse with a student.
• Create safe spaces for students to have open discussions about their drug misuse.
• Swiftly refer students to healthcare professions for assessment, intervention, and treatment programs.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Equip students with healthy coping skills and provide drug awareness for students.
• Connect students with available community resources.
• Consult with the student’s primary care provider, school social worker, or a drug rehab facility.

Indicators of Substance Abuse/Helping Someone Who Has Taken a Substance

Substance abuse can significantly alter a student’s behavior, making it possible to recognize the signs. The following behaviors may indicate a student is engaging in substance misuse:

• Hallucinations; delusions; paranoia; psychosis.
• Avoiding eye contact; interacting with others.
• Appearing lethargic; “spaced out.”
• Sudden changes in social groups.
• Skipping class/school; getting in trouble at school.
• Changes in attitude/personality.
• Bloodshot or glazed eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual.
• Slurred speech.
• Problems walking; uncoordinated movements; clumsiness.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Unexplained bruising on the skin (needle marks); covering arms.
• Nausea or vomiting.

If you suspect a student has ingested a substance or is under the influence of a substance:

• Notify the school administration, a school health aide, and/or a school resource officer.
• If you have any reason to fear for the student’s safety, call 9-1-1.
• Notify parents/guardians (when able to do so).

If a student becomes unresponsive, loses consciousness, or is not breathing, emergency response procedures may be necessary. Use NARCAN and/or an automated external defibrillator if available and as needed and give CPR, also as needed.

Most young people spend more time at school than at home, making the school environment a powerful influence on a child’s development. Research shows that positive feelings for school create a greater sense of community, attachment, and connectedness all of which are protective factors against substance misuse and abuse. That is why it is imperative for schools to take action and provide prevention and intervention to all students.

An important note: Substance abuse significantly contributes to suicidal behaviors and rates of death-by-suicide. Substance abuse might contribute to suicidal behaviors by diminishing critical thinking skills and inhibitions.

If you or someone you know has thoughts of death, dying, or suicide, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. When you call, text, or chat this number, you will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network.