Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we continue to strive for a safe and productive learning environment for all students, it is important to address the issue of drugs and alcohol and their impact on our schools. Substance use among students not only affects their health and academic performance but also poses significant challenges to school safety and discipline.
Impact on Learning and Safety
- Academic Performance: Substance use can lead to decreased focus, impaired memory, and lower academic achievement. Students who use drugs or alcohol are more likely to skip classes and perform poorly on exams and assignments.
- Safety: The presence of drugs on campus can create an unsafe environment. It can lead to violence, bullying, and other forms of misconduct, affecting the overall sense of security for all students.
- Discipline: Schools face increased disciplinary issues related to substance use, including suspensions and expulsions, which disrupt the educational process and strain school resources.
Understanding the Reality
While it is important to acknowledge that most students will not use drugs or become addicted, the presence of drugs on campus can still have a significant impact on the school environment and the well-being of all students. Here are some of the ways this affects students:
- Peer Pressure: Students may feel pressured to use substances to fit in or be accepted by their peers.
- Stress and Anxiety: The presence of drugs and alcohol can contribute to increased stress and anxiety among students who are trying to avoid these substances.
Substance use can disrupt the learning environment, affecting students who are committed to their education. Schools and communities across the country are grappling with the pervasive issue of drugs and alcohol on campus. We are committed to partnering with students, educators, parents, and community substance use prevention systems to create a safe and healthy learning environment for all.
What can you do?
Preventing drug and alcohol use in schools requires a collaborative effort among parents, teachers, and mental health professionals. Here are some ways we can work together:
- Maintain open and honest communication with youth about the dangers of substance use and the importance of making healthy choices.
- We can learn about drugs and dangers of using to help talk to youth.
- We can also identify and support students who may be at risk of substance use, providing them with the necessary resources and intervention.
By working together, we can create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for our students. Let’s commit to keeping our schools drug-free and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
AUHSD Team
National Fentanyl Awareness Day Message From DEA Administrator
Intervention and Cessation Services
AHMC Anaheim Regional Medical Center (ARMC): 1-866-NEW-LUNG
WEBSITE: www.anaheimregionalmc.com
QUIT CLASS EPISODES: https://soundcloud.com/1866newlung
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Alcohol & Substance Use Outpatient Clinics
SUD Adolescent Providers: Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System
DISCLAIMER REGARDING THE MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION ON THESE PAGES
The contents of the AUHSD website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material ("content"), are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AUHSD does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, or timeliness of information posted on its site, whether by AUHSD, our employees, users of our site, or third parties. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s needs or condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the AUHSD website!
Please note that AUHSD and staff are not available 24/7, and our schools are not emergency response centers. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you, your child, or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.
AUHSD does not recommend or endorse any clinicians, counselors, psychiatrists, social workers, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the website or linked through an outside agency or provider. AUHSD has developed partnerships with community-based mental health care providers. However, it is up to the consumer (parent/legal guardian) of the child to accept or decline services and to ask questions about eligibility, costs, and insurance coverage. Any links to other websites are provided only for the purpose of convenience or information and do not constitute a referral or endorsement of any of these sites or the owners, services, products, or content on those sites.
AUHSD is not responsible for any aspect of any third-party service providers or websites that may be linked from the AUHSD site, including without limitation the accuracy of the content on those services or use of information you may provide to those services. Your use of third-party websites is at your own risk and subject to the terms and conditions of use for such websites.
With input from a multidisciplinary team of administrators, social workers, school counselors, and school psychologist, the contents of this webpage are managed by:
Dr. Adela Cruz, LCSW
- Director of School Mental Health & Wellness
- McKinney-Vento Homeless & Foster Youth Educational Liaison
- Section 504 District Coordinator (504Coordinator@auhsd.us)
If you have any questions or comments regarding its contents, please send an email to cruz_ad@auhsd.us.