Drugs and Alcohol Response Tips
Substance abuse is a worldwide epidemic ranging from youth through seniors. It is affecting schools, workplaces extended care facilities, and communities at large. Starting with young people who begin to use substances at an early age, singly or in combination, reports detail many different reasons for using them. Despite the harm that substances can and do cause, effective responses to substance abuse, and especially to harmful use among young people, remain limited. It has been reported that over 5.2% of youths between the ages of 12 and 17 had an alcohol or illicit drug dependence with 78,156 American youths under the age of 18 receiving substance abuse treatment. These facts present a big challenge for school counselors in helping to keep students out of harm’s way.
Of all drug users, 68.9% are employed and active in the workplace, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). 10-20% of American workers who die at work have a positive result when tested for drugs or alcohol. Additionally, 1/3 of all employees are aware of illegal sale of drugs in their workplace.
Consider the local laws and policies regarding alcohol and drug use and follow state requirements on such. Should you have a Safety or Security Resource Officer or on campus a Student Assistance Counselor, consider bringing them into the conversation and subsequent investigation. In addition, consider your policy and ideologies when following up on the report. Remember to be patient, understanding, and provide a sense of hope.
Discovery and Identification
Signs that suggest substance use
Understanding the warning signs is an important part of helping a victim of drug and alcohol abuse. There are several signs that can give a counselor a heads-up relating to an individual’s substance abuse. If a counselor detects a change in an individual’s peer groups, he or she could be abusing substances. A sudden or even gradual inattentiveness to grooming habits is also a warning sign that something might be going on. A counselor can also detect issues relating to drug or alcohol abuse if there is a drop in grades, overall performance, and participation. Taking note of unusual or excessive absences without proper explanations can indicate that the individual is becoming involved in substance abuse of some type.
People who have suddenly lost all interest in some of their once-favorite activities or people could be signs that they are becoming involved in the use of alcohol or drugs. More subtle changes, such as a change in eating habits and sleeping habits, can also indicate issues relating to drugs and alcohol. More dramatic changes, such as getting in trouble with officials or other legal trouble, can also be indicators of problems. With any combination of these changes, substance abuse should seriously be considered as a core driver.
General Guidance
Respond in a timely manner: With drugs and alcohol one must consider the associated risk to the reporter for drugs that are highly addicting and potential fatal, i.e. heroin and opioids, so don’t delay in responding to the report.
Take the report seriously: The reporter may be telling you one type of drug and mean another, e.g. reporting pot but really be talking about heroin. One time use and/or experimenting with the wrong drug can lead to addiction and/or death. Do your best to try and listen to gather the facts and provide education on the seriousness of drug use without preaching.
Speak to unintended consequences: Let the reporter know that there can be consequences in using drugs and alcohol, even with one-time use.
Reporter (3rd party): Determine if this is a self or 3rd party report. This would change the importance of the timing and context and escalate the need to gather further information
If it’s a third-party report, ask for more information and a name. Let them know that you want to help this person and need to reach out to them to support them. Example: “What have you seen or noticed?”
Tips for Interaction: Alcohol and drug reports are sensitive and the details you need may be revealed through an evolving conversation. This type of interaction requires building trust with the reporter. Be patient but persistent. Know the signs that suggest substance abuse and refer to them when responding.
Some tips that may help:
If the reporter is hesitant, let them know what a great friend they will be in getting this person help.
If someone reports a vague report e.g. “Joe is doing drugs in the parking lot at the end of the day”, try to gather more information and determine if the report is accurate. Examples:
“How do you know that this person has done drugs? What type of drugs?”
“Is this the first time or has this been going on for a while?”
“Is this on or off school/workplace grounds?”
“Where did they get the drugs?”
Consider different responses to a report that includes a picture or video.
Coaching
Listen with empathy and provide support: A young teen or young adult in a new environment who feels that he or she doesn’t fit in is more likely to do things to try to please friends or peers, including experimenting with alcohol.
With youth during this vulnerable time, it is particularly important to let your children know that in your eyes, they do measure up—and that you care about them deeply. Experimentation may make it seem as though the substance is not a big deal, but for a young person it can seem of immense importance. Sympathize and listen. Minimizing what the reporter is going through or indicating can increase his or her sense of hopelessness.
With adults, remember that there are many resources available. What may start small, or seem small when noticed, could escalate in to a much more serious situation.
Express acceptance and concern. Avoid sermonizing, arguing, problem-solving, or giving advice.
It is important to convey an attitude of concern and understanding.
Praise the person for coming forward to report this serious matter and that you are dedicated to getting whomever the help they need.
Ask open-ended questions to gather information. Examples:
“What a good friend you are to come forward.”
“Can you tell me anything else that may help me to help them?”
“I really want to help you right now, but I need more information to do so.”
“What can I do to help you right now?”
Resources
Always provide a list of resources to the reporter
Staff Resources:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Find the latest science-based information about the health effects and consequences of drug abuse and addiction and resources for talking with kids about the impact.
SAMHSA National Helpline: 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.
Resources for youth/young adults:
The Cool Spot: The young teen’s place for information on alcohol and resisting peer pressure.
Resources for Parents:
Drug Free: A nonprofit that supports families struggling with their son or daughter's substance abuse.
Join Together Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: A national resource center for communities across the nation that are working to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse. Phone: (212) 922–1560
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD): Provides educational materials on alcohol abuse and alcoholism as well as phone numbers of local NCADD affiliates who can supply information on local treatment resources.
Phone: (212) 269–7797; Fax: (212) 269–7510 HOPE LINE: (800) NCA–CALL (24-hour Affiliate referral)
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Makes available free informational materials on many aspects of alcohol use, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism. Phone: (301) 443–3860
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline: Provides information, support, treatment options, and referrals to local rehab centers for drug or alcohol problems. Operates 24 hours, 7 days a week. Phone: 800–662–HELP (4357) (toll free)
Legal Disclaimer
This material is made available for education purposes only as well as to give general information and general understanding of current issues, and not to provide specific legal or process advice. This material should not be used as a substitute for your specific safety or legal advice from a licensed professional safety officer or attorney in your state.
This is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, as your safety procedure. For documentation of your safety procedure consult your safety resources at state, district, or school level as appropriate. STOPit is not responsible for any safety issue reported.