Substance Use Awareness

Communities can move mountains when they talk, share, and take action to prevent harm and we believe it! Prevention is a vital ongoing effort to spotlight the incredible impact that dedicated educators, parents, students, and community partners have every day in promoting healthy choices and well-being.

We invite you to join this powerful movement. Whether you're planning a school assembly, launching a new peer education program, or integrating prevention science into your curriculum, this newsletter is your resource for timely information, actionable strategies, and inspiration. Let's work together to equip our students with the knowledge and resilience they need to thrive.

Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, and substance exposure during this time carries serious long-term risks. Youth who use illicit substances before age 15 are six times more likely to develop a substance use disorder as adults. E-cigarettes and prescription drug misuse remain major concerns in schools. Strong school connections and early prevention programs protect students, making educators essential in identifying at-risk youth and connecting them with support.

• The Power of School Connection: According to national survey frameworks, students who report feeling connected to their school environment exhibit significantly lower rates of substance misuse, absenteeism, and risk-taking behaviors.
• Vaping Trends: Nicotine vaping remains one of the most common substance use behaviors in schools, with roughly 20% of 12th graders reporting past-year use.
• Mental Health & Co-Occurrence: Adolescents who experience major depressive episodes are more than twice as likely to engage in illicit drug use compared to their peers without depressive symptoms.

Builds Resilience and Life Skills (↑ Protective Factors)

• Prevention is about actively building student strength. These efforts teach healthy coping mechanisms, decision-making skills, and emotional regulation. By equipping students with these tools, your school ensures they can handle challenges, connect with their community, and thrive both in and outside the classroom.

Reduces Barriers to Learning (↓ Risk Factors)

• Addressing the root causes of substance use helps clear away obstacles to learning and engagement. By lowering student and school risk factors—such as stress, anxiety, or disconnection—you create a calmer, safer, and more focused learning environment where academic success becomes the norm.

Red Ribbon Week is the largest and longest-running drug awareness and prevention program in the United States, observed annually in October. It began in 1985 as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. The campaign promotes a drug-free lifestyle, especially among young people, by encouraging awareness about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and violence.

The Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV School Social Work team offers Act 55 training on Substance Use Awareness.

The classroom serves as a crucial environment in the school setting. Educators play a vital role in recognizing the significance of mental health and fostering a safe, supportive atmosphere that can positively impact everyone's well-being. This training provides an overview of common mental health diagnoses often observed in the school. Participants will explore effective strategies to support students exhibiting symptoms of these conditions, enhancing their ability to create an inclusive and nurturing classroom environment.

Bryda Drumm, LSW, H&SV, C-SSWS

Jennifer Guthrie, LCSW, C-SSWS

Sara Joseph, LSW, C-SSWS

Email: socialwork@miu4.org