Educator Resources

Every day, approximately 4,700 American youth under age 18 try marijuana for the first time. That is about equal to the enrollment of six average-sized U.S. high schools. More teens are in treatment for marijuana dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined. A 1998 study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that if a teen starts to drink at 15, he or she has a forty percent chance of alcoholism or alcohol dependence as an adult.

Marijuana affects alertness, concentration, perception, coordination, and reaction time. Regular use of marijuana leads to some changes in the brain that are similar to those caused by cocaine, heroin, or alcohol.

In the St. Cloud schools, the chemical health consultants:

· support and enforce school policies regarding using, possession, or dispensing of illegal substances on school property

· act as a referral source for drug testing and treatment

· provide ongoing support to recovering students and their parents

· address the emotional needs of children of alcoholics or drug abusers by providing support and education

Signs of Alcohol or Drug Use

· Possession of drug-related paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, small decongestant bottles, or small butane lighters or torches

· Possession of drugs or evidence of drugs, peculiar plants, seeds or leaves in clothing pockets or ashtrays

· Drug-related magazines, slogans on clothing, etc

· Hostility in discussing drugs

· Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils

· Distinct downward trends in student’s grades (not just from C’s to F’s, but from A’s to B’s to C’s)

· Chronic dishonesty (lying, stealing, cheating)

· Changes in friends, evasiveness in talking about new ones

· Reduced motivation, energy, self-discipline, self-esteem

For science-based facts about how drugs affect the brain and body, go to www.teens.drugabuse.gov.

For information about underage drinking and alcohol problems, go to www.thecoolspot.gov.

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