Young People Drugs:

a guide for school staff to support students and

Purpose
To assist schools to: implement appropriate prevention and intervention strategies to support young people with drug use problems identify when a young person may have a drug use problem link young people and families to services and resources access drug and alcohol information services.
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What is drug misuse?

Drug misuse is any use of drugs that causes physical, psychological, economic, legal or social harm to the individual user or to others by the drug users behaviour.

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Problems associated with adolescent drug misuse

Brain development in adolescence may be affected. Delayed maturation during adolescence may impede important developmental tasks. Drug use disorders are often associated with mental health disorders, suicide and a history of abuse.
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Prevalence of drug use among young people 12 to 17 years

Substance Percentage reporting ever used Males Analgesics/painkillers Alcohol Tobacco Cannabis Inhalants Tranquillisers (non-medical use) 93.2 86.0 35.0 19.4 17.4 14.8 Females 96.4 85.0 35.0 16.1 17.0 15.5 Percentage reporting use in the last 12 months Males 89.9 68.0 21.0 15.6 12.8 8.6 Females 94.1 66.0 24.0 12.9 13.1 9.4

Amphetamines (non-medical use)

Hallucinogens Ecstasy

6.0
4.3 4.4

4.7
2.1 3.3

4.9
3.5 3.7

3.4
1.5 2.6

Opiates

2.7

2.2

2.0

1.4

Cocaine Steroids

3.5 3.4

2.3 1.8

2.8 2.6

1.6 1.4

IMPORTANT NOTE

Most young people who try alcohol and illicit drugs do not become problem drug users.

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Reasons young people use drugs

To experiment To have fun To heighten sensations To rebel To relax To relieve boredom To fit in with peers To cope with problems Because they are available
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Indicators of possible drug use problems

Changes in appearance and wellbeing Mood swings or significant personality change Loss of initiative Decline in academic performance Increased need for money and secrecy Intoxication at school
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Identifying possible drug use problems: Cautionary notes Behavioural change may be due to causes other than drug use. Drug use is not necessarily drug misuse.

Drug use may increase as a result of getting into trouble for initial drug use and being labelled a drug user.
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Confidentiality

Issues of confidentiality can arise when teachers discuss possible drug use with students.

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Limits of confidentiality
Teachers have a duty of care to protect young people against risks of harm. Teachers should advise the principal of concerns about the welfare and safety of young people. Confidentiality may be limited by the requirements to advise the principal of concerns. Students should be advised of the limits to confidentiality from the outset.
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Talking to young people about possible drug use

Consider who is the best person to approach the student. Express concerns that can be supported by facts. Encourage the student to talk. Listen carefully and avoid moralising. Dont use scare tactics. Offer information or help.
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Strategies to support students

Offer support and information Refer to the school counsellor for assessment and support Refer to outside agencies Provide school-based support as appropriate:
- Learning support team - Support teacher/learning - Support teacher/behaviour - Home school liaison officer.
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Useful contacts for schools

Drug education consultants Student welfare consultants Area School-Link coordinators NSW area health drug and alcohol services Telephone help lines Websites DET resources
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What is the role of the school in prevention?

Providing a safe and supportive school environment where a students social, emotional and learning needs are met is most important in preventing drug use problems.

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A framework for prevention of drug use problems

Quality learning and teaching Preventative drug education and student welfare programs

Effective support for students at risk

Parent involvement and support

Safe, supportive and engaging environment

Community support

Home, school and community partnerships

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Drug prevention: Safe, supportive and engaging environment

Promote a sense of belonging at school

Provide support at transition points

Build positive social behaviours and problem solving skills Promote pastoral care relationships
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Drug prevention: Quality learning and teaching

Provide a curriculum that engages and meets the needs of students Ensure drug education is taught within the PDHPE curriculum K10 and Crossroads 1112

Teach drug education in a planned, sequential and developmentally appropriate manner

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Drug prevention: Home, school and community partnerships

Consult parents and local community

Develop positive partnerships with local area health, police and other support services to:
- link students and their families to supports - ensure continuity of care for young people - strengthen response to drug issues.
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Referral to the school counsellor

The student has been suspended
Drug use is associated with high levels of risk The student appears to be drug dependent Drug use interferes with life at school and in the community Drug use is associated with other problems behavioural, family or mental health
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The Stages of Change model

CONTEMPLATION HMMM MAYBE THIS ISNT SO GOOD FOR ME

PRECONTEMPLATION WHAT PROBLEM?

DECISION THATS IT IM GOING TO QUIT

RELAPSE OOPS I USED AGAIN

ACTION IM DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT NOW

MAINTENANCE IM STILL NOT USING

LONG TERM CHANGE I HAVENT USED FOR AGES

Source: Mentha, H (2001)

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Involving parents and caregivers

Be reassuring and dont over-dramatise Help the parents explore options Involve the student in decisions Give information and or suggest referral

Allow the parents to express their concerns

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Supporting students whose parents use drugs

Reframe perceptions of disloyalty
Encourage discussion

Advise young people to seek help from a trusted relative or family member Promote a positive outlook
Report suspected abuse and neglect
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Helping students to be non-smokers

Ensure students are aware of rules and consequences Do not automatically suspend for possession of tobacco Include tobacco education in PDHPE Provide information about QUIT programs or form a QUIT group Provide incentives to quit Display anti-smoking stickers and posters Use Smoke screen: a smoking prevention resource (Stages 3 and 4) Participate in The Critics' Choice
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