How to Prevent Substance Abuse in Schools

Parents and educators alike worry about substance abuse in schools. Most professionals agree that alcohol acts as a gateway, or entry drug, for further drug use. Statistics bear out the need for effective substance abuse prevention methods. According to the Teen Drug Abuse website, underage drinking takes a yearly financial toll of $58 billion in the U.S. alone. In addition, 40 percent of those who begin drinking younger than age 14 develop later alcohol issues. However, through taking intentional steps to address the problem and support early intervention, substance abuse in schools can be prevented.

Instructions

• 1

  Encourage parental involvement to work with schools. By working toward the same goals at home and school, whether it involves grades, substance abuse, or other risky behaviors, students will receive consistent messages and be more likely to comply.

• 2

  Know the risk factors. Several of these include early aggression, lack of parental support or involvement, peer drug use, availability of illegal drugs, and poverty. Focus on addressing the risk factors that the school has control over, such as drug availability. Children might be more tempted to experiment with alcohol or drugs during major transitions in life. Aside from those at home, school-related transitions, such as changing schools, going from grade school to middle school and then to high school, or even dealing with non-supportive teachers, can precipitate substance abuse.

• 3

  Boost children's self-esteem and confidence whenever possible. Encourage students and look for ways to reward them. Role play different peer pressure scenarios and help them say "no" to making poor choices.

• 4

  Train all adults on campus in drug recognition and promote the involvement of teachers, support staff and administration. They can watch for telltale signs in children, talk to those they're concerned about and make proper referrals if necessary.

• 5

  Advertise the availability of counselors. If students know someone is available for them to talk to regarding issues they may be having, they'll be more likely to take advantage of those services.

• 6

  Examine successful school substance abuse prevention programs. For example, the Caring School Community Program works to strengthen student sense of connection to school. This, in turn, promotes academic motivation and student achievement. You'll find some classroom-centered and family school partnership intervention programs that begin interventions during first grade to reduce possible later aggression. By incorporating appropriate curricula, parent-teacher communication and classroom management strategies, schools work to achieve academic performance.

• 7

  Bring in outside speakers, such as law enforcement personnel and mental health professionals, to address the issue and the dangers of substance abuse. You might even consider a "scared straight" presentation from a young recovering drug abuser whose story might resonate with some of your students.

• 8

  Increase school security. The presence of more adults, especially those in a law enforcement uniform, can often deter substance abuse.