Many students use substances in some form (e.g., caffeine, over the counter medications) but the use/abuse of illegal substances by youth (e.g., alcohol, marijuana) puts students at greater risk of participating in other risky behaviors, developing health problems, and performing poorly in school.
A Comprehensive System of Learning Supports should encompass strategies to prevent and address youth substance use and abuse.
Effective Strategies include:
- promoting social, emotional, and behavioral competencies of all students;
- providing accurate information;
- facilitating discussions that are candid and supportive;
- offering support systems for those who want to stop; and
- evolving integrated systems of care.
Source- Center for Mental Health in Schools at UCLA
View more information on ISBE's
School Health Issues page under "Drugs and Other Substances".
