Importance of creating awareness about drug abuse at school level

Education provided in schools plays an instrumental role in educating children and teens about the
potential implications of their actions and habitual behaviors. Many parents choose to speak to their
children about taking drugs and drinking alcohol, but not every child will receive an education of this
type at home. Drug and alcohol education in schools can help to ensure that no child slips through the
net, and also offer a different perspective of substance abuse and a different arena in which to share
comments, thoughts, or experiences. Some students may be apprehensive about talking to their parents
or being honest with them, and school-based activities and programs may be more effective. There are
several reasons why drug and alcohol education is crucial in schools. A comprehensive curriculum can
provide pupils in middle school and high school with information that could have a significant impact on
the choices they make both at school and in the future. Essential factors to consider include:

 Spotting the warning signs of addiction

 Understanding the potential implications of taking illegal drugs or drinking too much and raising
awareness of addiction
 Learning about the impact of addiction or illicit behavior on others, including friends and family
members
 Understanding how to help others who may be struggling
 Figuring out ways to cope with stress, sadness, or anxiety without drinking or taking drugs
 Providing an insight into the kind of help that is available if you are going through a tough time

One of the most important aims of drug and alcohol education programs should be to promote
prevention. One key element is adjusting the mindset of individuals who are compelled to use drugs or
drink excessively as a coping mechanism. Education Life Skills’ Captivity- Substance Abuse Prevention
course is designed to promote prevention in a way that helps parents and educators to help teens build
self-esteem, increase confidence and adopt a way of thinking that eliminates cravings and empowers
them to make better choices. We tend to think about school classes as a means of teaching students to
read maps or work out equations, but lessons that are focused on educating pupils about the risks of
taking drugs and drinking excessively should form an integral part of classes for youths. These sessions,
which can be supported by external programs and local and national events and campaigns, provide
young people with valuable information, insightful stories, examples and case studies, and advice about
seeking help or assisting others.

Young people are likely to spend more waking hours in the school environment around teachers than at
home with their parents, making the school’s social environment a key factor influencing the
development of young people. Research has shown that a positive relationship with school, which
creates a greater sense of community, attachment, and performance, is associated with reduced
potential for drug abuse. As a teacher, you can help a student have a positive relationship with their
school by:

 Setting clear rules and boundaries that are consistently enforced in a reasonable and measured
manner;
 Keeping an open mind and asking students for their opinions;
 Giving praise and reward for students’ good behaviour, achievements and accomplishments;
 Modelling a sense of optimism and a positive view of learning;
  Encouraging constructive use of time and participation in extracurricular activities;
 Encouraging reading for pleasure outside of school hours;
 Being a good listener.

Modelling appropriate alcohol use behaviours at school events. The availability of alcohol at school
events may interfere with drug education and prevention efforts. Be considerate of your school’s liquor
licensing policy and check if it is in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for
alcohol-free events where children are present.