Important Ways You Can Use To Help Your Students Avoid Drug Addiction

July 11, 2012 0 Comments

Drug and alcohol abuse has been widespread in schools. According to most experts, alcohol use triggers drug abuse especially among students who are in the stage where their peers are the most important individuals in their life. The growing number of substance abusers in schools calls for an effective prevention approach.

According to a website on drug abuse among teenagers, there are about $58 billion annual financial toll among young alcohol drinkers in America. Additionally, 40 percent of young drinkers who start consuming alcohol before they reach 14 years old suffer from alcohol issues. But, supporting early intervention and addressing alcohol problems will help prevent substance addiction in schools.

Substance Abuse Among Students

About forty percent of students in high schools have used substance, based on a new study. Risky behaviors including fighting, drinking, steroid abuse and gambling are associated with the use of the substance. Drug addicts can be treated at the drug and alcohol treatment centers.

According to studies, the effect of a drug on a person’s memory, attention and learning may last up to a few days or even weeks. Consequently, people who smoke every day may have less intellectual level. This is the reason why students who smoke are found to have lower grades and may drop high school than those who do not.

Ways to Avoid Drug Abuse

1. Parental Involvement

Schools can ask the help of parents in promoting awareness on substance abuse and the effects of drugs or alcohol on the health of students. This awareness in schools and homes will give students constant reminder and will likely to help them avoid substance use. The patient can also view some aspects about what is substance abuse.

2. Addressing Risk Factors

Risk factors of drug and alcohol abuse like lack of parental assistance, early hostility, peer drug abuse, poverty and drug availability should be determined and addressed. It’s possible for children to be tempted to use alcohol or drugs as they undergo life changes.

3. Strengthen Confidence and Self-esteem of students

This requires motivating students and finding ways to recognize or reward their efforts. Teachers can ask them to role play situations among peers and help them understand the value of making intelligent decisions.

4. Invite professional speakers

The school can let their students listen to drug and alcohol abuse experts who will tell students the negative effects of substance use and abuse. Students tend to listen to school visitors so their words can make a difference in their choices.

Many students are into peer pressure which will force them to try any substance. But, with the right preventive measures from their homes and schools, these young individuals can make good choices.

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