School Counselor’s Role With Students At Risk for Substance Abuse
The Numbers Tell the Story
The reports of usage among individuals under the age of 18 are clear. In 2013, a study revealed that there were approximately 7,800 new drug users per day equating to 54.1 percent of all youth and 12,500 new alcohol users per day equating to 59.1 percent of today’s youth.
Among the most commonly used substances is alcohol. Approximately 26.8 percent of 8th graders, 40.3 percent of 10th graders and 66 percent of 12th graders use it. Marijuana ranks second in usage with 15.6 percent of users being 8th graders, 33.7 percent being 10th graders and 44.4 percent being 12th graders. Inhalants also are among the top four substances with 10.8 percent of users being 8th graders, 8.7 percent being 10th graders and 6.8 percent being 12th graders. Last on the list are amphetamines with 6.7 percent of users being in 8th grade, 10.6 percent in 10th grade and 12.1 percent in 12th grade.
Warning Signs
Understanding the warning signs is an important part of helping students as a school counselor. There are several signs that can give a counselor a heads-up relating to a student’s substance use. If a counselor detects a change in an individual’s peer groups, he or she could be abusing substances. A sudden or even gradual inattentiveness to grooming habits is also a warning sign that something might be going on. Academically, a counselor can detect issues relating to drug or alcohol use if there is a drop in grades, overall performance, and participation in academics. Taking note of unusual or excessive absences without proper explanations can indicate that the student is becoming involved in substance abuse of some type.
Students who have suddenly lost all interest in some of their once-favorite activities or people could be signs that they are becoming involved in the use of alcohol or drugs. More subtle changes, such as a change in eating habits and sleeping habits, can also indicate issues relating to drugs and alcohol. More dramatic changes, such as getting in trouble with school officials or legal trouble, can also be indicators of problems. With any combination of these changes, substance abuse should seriously be considered.
The reports of usage among individuals under the age of 18 are clear. In 2013, a study revealed that there were approximately 7,800 new drug users per day equating to 54.1 percent of all youth and 12,500 new alcohol users per day equating to 59.1 percent of today’s youth.
Among the most commonly used substances is alcohol. Approximately 26.8 percent of 8th graders, 40.3 percent of 10th graders and 66 percent of 12th graders use it. Marijuana ranks second in usage with 15.6 percent of users being 8th graders, 33.7 percent being 10th graders and 44.4 percent being 12th graders. Inhalants also are among the top four substances with 10.8 percent of users being 8th graders, 8.7 percent being 10th graders and 6.8 percent being 12th graders. Last on the list are amphetamines with 6.7 percent of users being in 8th grade, 10.6 percent in 10th grade and 12.1 percent in 12th grade.
Warning Signs
Understanding the warning signs is an important part of helping students as a school counselor. There are several signs that can give a counselor a heads-up relating to a student’s substance use. If a counselor detects a change in an individual’s peer groups, he or she could be abusing substances. A sudden or even gradual inattentiveness to grooming habits is also a warning sign that something might be going on. Academically, a counselor can detect issues relating to drug or alcohol use if there is a drop in grades, overall performance, and participation in academics. Taking note of unusual or excessive absences without proper explanations can indicate that the student is becoming involved in substance abuse of some type.
Students who have suddenly lost all interest in some of their once-favorite activities or people could be signs that they are becoming involved in the use of alcohol or drugs. More subtle changes, such as a change in eating habits and sleeping habits, can also indicate issues relating to drugs and alcohol. More dramatic changes, such as getting in trouble with school officials or legal trouble, can also be indicators of problems. With any combination of these changes, substance abuse should seriously be considered.
Categories
:
Anthony Kiedis
,
Axl Rose
,
Behavioral health
,
Bill Galvano
,
Eating disorder
,
Mental disorder
,
Mental Health
,
Mental Health Awareness Month
,
Substance abuse
,
Tenth grade
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