The School Counselor’s Role in Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance use, abuse and addiction are among the leading causes of adolescent death in the United States (Brannigan, Schackman, Falco, & Millman, 2004: Sussman, Dent, & Galaif, 1997). School counselors are typically part of the prevention program by presenting guidance curriculum lessons about character development and peer pressure. School counselors are also positioned to offer additional prevention services for students who are at risk.

Research shows that students who are living in low social economic status (SES) may use illegal substances to handle the stress caused by their environment. Lower income and lower parental education are associated with higher substance abuse (Goodman & Huang, 2002). Other conditions related to increased substance abuse in adolescents are peer pressure, neighborhood atmosphere, parental drug abuse, disorganized families, family history of mental health concerns, family violence, anxiety, rebellion and a culture of drug abuse.

Protective factors can help fight the risks. Stable homes and adults who encourage high achievement, positive self-image, strong self-esteem, academic success and good health help support dealing with life without using drugs. Peers who are drug free are also a protective factor.

School counselors are situated to provide intentional support to students who are at risk. These students need specified support. School counselors can provide this in the following ways:

1. Discussing the availability of therapy, jobs, education, recreation, and transportation in the student’s community. (Sussman et al., 2008)
2. Serving as liaisons for students who have social concerns. They can facilitate assessments for learning disabilities, health concerns, psychological concerns and family functioning. (ASCA, 2005: Sussman et al., 2008)
3. Involving parents – parents are vital to students’ success. Counselors can work with parents on prevention plans, parent trainings, and parent involvement at the building level. (Mclaughlin & Vacha, 1993)
4. Creating a climate of trust to assist these students with enhancing protective factors. (Mclaughlin & Vacha, 1993)
5. Providing accountability factors. This is necessary to validate progress and document student’s substance use and misuse. (ASCA, 2005: Comerci & Schwebel, 2000: Sussman et al., 2008)
6. Incorporating shaping, modeling, role playing, assertiveness training and other behavioral and cognitive approaches in their counseling sessions with students. (Mclaughlin & Vacha, 1993: Meichenbaum, 1997: Weinberg et al, 1998)
7. Encouraging students to get involved with pro-social activities at school or in the community. (Pate, Trost, Levin, & Dowda, 2000)

School counselors are ideally situated to identify students who are at risk, collaborate with parents and stakeholders, and develop prevention and treatment plans for their students.

Sheila Allen is K-8 counselor at Spectrum Academy.