In recent years there have been significant increases in alcohol, drug and substance abuse across the country. This abuse has significantly impacted K-12 school-age students as well as those pursuing postsecondary education.
To help combat substance abuse in schools, the Department of Education has developed webinars designed for State-, district- and building-level administrators, teachers and specialized instructional support personnel interested in supporting students and families impacted by the opioid crisis.
In recognition of this year’s National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) scheduled for January 22-27, 2019, the Department is sharing the signs and strategies to help identify and support impacted students below. To view the webinar on this important topic, click here.
Warning signs that may indicate that a student is impacted by opioids, alcohol and other substance use, include:
Elementary Students
Poor mental/motor development
Memory and perception problems
Speech and language problems
Developmental delays
Reduced decision making abilities
Impaired self-regulation
Poor response to stressful situations
Impaired school performance
Middle School Students
Anxiety
Depression
Secretive behaviors
Poor hygiene/Changes in physical appearance
Disruptive behavior
Rapid changes in mood
Decline in academic performance or attendance
High School Students
Mood and personality changes
Depression
Hyperactivity
Health and hygiene issues
Changes in relationships with friends and family
Problems with police
Unhealthy peer/dating relationships
Disengagement from school
Poor attendance or dropping out
Strategies to support students who may be impacted by opioids, alcohol and other substance use, include:
Find out what kinds of resources are available in your school or district, so you know where to turn to get help for a student
Talk with school counselors, nurses and administrators to find out how best to support students for whom you are concerned
Learn to recognize the signs of opioid, alcohol and substance abuse so you can refer students appropriately
Integrate basic alcohol and drug prevention skill-building into everyday teaching so student can learn to:
Make good decisions
Solve problems
Become more assertive and practice learning refusal skills
Be more self-aware
Build positive relationships
Help students learn coping and stress management skills such as:
Self-control
Standing up to peer pressure
Time management
Dealing with difficult situations like conflict or loss
Setting goals
Talk with students about opioid, alcohol and substance abuse
Information on how to plan, register and host your own NDAFW event, or to receive free publications, resources and educational activities, can be found at National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teachers.
To learn more about the U.S. national opioid crisis and find information and resources on how schools, students and parents of students can help fight this epidemic, please visit the Department’s website at Combating the Opioid Crisis: Schools, Students, Families