Substance Abuse and Addictions (Drugs and Alcohol) Strategies

What it is

An area of student need involving students taking illegal drugs, over-taking legal drugs/medications and/or consuming alcohol. Students may abuse drugs/alcohol for purposes of recreation and/or for other purposes, like laxatives for weight control, simulants to improve performance in school or sports, or steroids for growth.

Strategies

• Develop a positive and warm rapport with the student.
• Be in frequent contact with parents, administration and other teachers.
• Enlist school counseling supports (Child and Youth Worker, Social Worker, Counselor, etc.).
• Be flexible with work completion and memory, which can be negatively impacted by drug/alcohol use.
• Be aware of increased risk taking behaviours and report to parents and school team.
• In a private setting, discuss your concerns with the students in a supportive and non-punitive way. Ask the student for ways that you can help.
• Consider developing an IEP Alternative Program Plan and set goals with the student and IEP team.
• Consider the development of and IEP Transition Plan to help reduce stress.
• Consider the development of an IEP with Accommodations for any instructional, environmental and/or assessment accommodations that may be helpful to reduce stress from the student.
• Provide resources to the student and parent on counseling and substance abuse disorders (school and/or community).



Resources
Student Needs IPRC Exceptionalites Diagnosed Conditions