UNDERSTANDING THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEM IN SCHOOLS

Substance abuse is a serious problem in New Jersey schools. The state requires every school district to regularly conduct substance awareness programs for students and staff. Schools are also required to have in place policies, procedures, and structures for addressing suspected or proven instances of substance abuse by students.

Some schools utilize the services of full-time substance awareness coordinators (SACs), counselors, or others professionally trained to deal with these issues. Other schools rely on staff with no formal training to deliver substance awareness education or fulfill administrative tasks associated with vigilance and intervention. These individuals may have to learn a great deal on the job.

The drug problem in schools is constantly changing, as are prevention and treatment approaches, resources available to address the problem, and the legal boundaries within which different individuals and organizations may operate.

This section is intended as an information resource, prima­rily for substance awareness educators in schools, but also for school administrators and parents. 

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­TOPICS­

Substance Abuse

• Nature of Addiction
• Trends

Prevention/Intervention

• Contributors to Addiction
• Prevention/Intervention
• Resources
• Signs and Symptoms
• Policies
• Programs in Schools
  

Treatment

• Addiction Effects
• Treatment Methods
  
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Information for Educators

• Training and Certification
• Substance Awareness Coordinator
• Publications
• Other Resources

Credits