A Supportive Response ...
• Substance use is not merely a “character” issue
• Even when the individual appears defensive, he is likely to be very ashamed of his behavior
• Judging or moralizing may cause increased withdrawal
• Often, family problems or other stressors contribute to the individual’s desire to numb feelings
• A safe, supportive, understanding opportunity to begin discussing using behavior is vital
• You don’t need to (or can’t) “fix” the situation alone
• Assisting the individual to connect with supportive resources is essential
Some of the following suggestions can help teachers or administrators start the conversation about drugs and alcohol or using behavior with students:
• Create an open and safe environment – kids look for opportunities when they feel that adults will be non-judgmental and open to answer their questions.
• Initiate conversation with students – find windows of opportunity throughout the day, and initiate the conversation yourself. Ask one or two questions…open the discussion.
• Listen to the student – don’t minimize! - Hear what they say and what they feel, and discuss any concerns they may have. Don’t minimize the seriousness or extent of what they are telling you.
• Openly discuss situations in which a student may be confronted with drugs and alcohol - Along with students, identify hypothetical scenarios that might occur, and talk about different ways to respond. You can be extremely helpful in preparing students to handle such situations appropriately and confidently.
• Discuss the phenomenon of peer pressure - remember how important it is for students to fit in or be “cool”, and help them identify ways to cope that are comfortable for them.
• Teach them to “think it through and make a choice” by following potential situations to their many possible conclusions - ask “what could happen next?”. What then? And then? (Some examples: “If I get in the car with someone who has been drinking, their driving might be impaired. Their reactions might be slowed down. A police officer might see that and stop us, and I could get in trouble. Or worse, they might get in an accident and we could get seriously hurt.” Or, “If I have one drink, it may be harder to say no to more. Then I might mess up my judgment and say stupid or hurtful things. Or I might do something embarrassing. Then my friend might take a picture of me with her camera phone and send it to everyone. I would just die!”).