by Dennis Harter
This past week, a representative from Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD) worked with our students on education and prevention around substance use and abuse. The FCD rep shared important information about the developing adolescent brains and the serious dangers that substance use at this young age can bring. He also shared the reality that the majority of students overwhelmingly are making healthy choices and delaying first time use – a contradiction to the false social norms that students often believe.
In partnership with parents, we hope to encourage students to refrain from or delay first time use of alcohol, tobacco or other substances. Research is clear that the earlier first time use occurs for teens, the more likely that child will become addicted down the road. Even knowing this information, teens naturally struggle against a developing brain that recognizes it’s pleasure centers ahead of its reasoning. Peer pressure or “hoping to be cool” play very real roles in teens’ choices, much more so than long-term wellness or health. Teens need the adults in their lives to help them make safe choices, because their own brains are not equipped to do so, yet. The FCD rep shared how talking openly about your concerns with your children and providing them with understanding and strategies to say no, can be helpful and appreciated. As parents, you know your child well and can choose the right time to engage in these discussions.
We are here to help. If you have any questions or concerns about your child and/or substance use and abuse, please speak with one of our grade level counselors.