Whitehouse ISD Substance Abuse Prevention Overview

The Whitehouse Independent School District is committed to providing a safe, caring and healthy learning environment for our students, faculty, and staff. We recognize that the abuse of alcohol and drugs  is a serious issue that will interfere with a student’s ability to reach his/her full potential. It is our belief that in order for students to learn they need a safe and caring environment, which we strive to achieve on a daily basis.

Our substance abuse prevention efforts use the dissemination of information as well as both group and individual counseling in order to discourage and bring awareness to the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse and drug use. Our School Counselors and SEL counselors offer general counseling and referrals to substance abuse treatment agencies in the community to our faculty, staff, and students with alcohol or other drug-related problems. In addition, our prevention efforts include:

•  Providing individual and group education, prevention, and awareness activities.

•  Providing individual counseling sessions.

•  Providing school-wide student led prevention lessons in the classroom.

•  Promoting a healthy lifestyle for staff and students.

•  Addressing substance abuse prevention at the individual, school, and community level.

•  Enforcing district policies plus local, state, and federal laws to address the dangers of alcohol and drug use.

•  A focus on enhancing protective factors and reducing risk factors.

Youth High Risk Drug Use 

High-risk drug use increases the likelihood that youth will engage in risk behaviors that can have dramatic, and lasting effects on their health and academic performance.

High-risk drug use refers to any use by adolescents of drugs with a high risk of adverse outcomes, such as injury, criminal justice involvement, school dropout, and loss of life. This includes:

• Misuse of prescription drugs

• Use of illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, inhalants, hallucinogens, or ecstasy

• Use of injection drugs, which have a high risk of transmitting HIV and hepatitis

Youth who use high-risk drugs are more likely to also:

• Engage in risky sexual behaviors (not using a condom, multiple partners).

• Experience violence, such as physical and sexual dating violence, and being bullied, threatened, or injured.

• Be at greater risk for mental health problems and suicide.

Warning Signs Of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol and drug users often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their problem. If you’re worried that a student or family member might be abusing drugs, look for the following warning signs:

Psychological Warning Signs

•  Unexplained change in personality or attitude

•  Sudden mood swings, irritability or angry outbursts

•  Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness

•  Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out”

•  Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid with no reason

Behavioral Signs of Drug Abuse         

•  Drop in attendance and performance at school

•  Unexplained need for money; may borrow or steal to get it

•  Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors

Physical Warning Signs

•  Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies

•  Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)

•  Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual

•  Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

•  Sudden weight loss or weight gain

•  Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits

•  Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing

•  Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

In Whitehouse ISD, students and parents have the ability to make an online report through our Say Something online anonymous reporting system.  Both parents and students are encouraged to make a report if you suspect that a friend needs help. 

Resources

• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
• Crisis Text Line - Text from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained counselor. Text Home 741741