Drug use in adolescence has been an active problem for many years, and a lot of the time, these teens don’t consider the effects or damage drug use can cause. Using substances is harmful as it is, but using them while you’re still actively developing is even more harmful. In the past two years, there has been a rise in nicotine vapes and a decline in marijuana vape usage. The problem here is that while both are damaging, nicotine is much easier and cheaper to come by, but also much more addictive.
Considering these facts, drug use in high schools has been increasing over the years, including at Forest Grove High School. More and more students have been falling into harmful habits such as vaping and smoking, and it’s sadly become a common sight within these walls. Like most schools, Forest Grove High School has certain policies and rules set in place regarding students’ drug use on campus. These policies include being suspended up to 10 days on your first offense, parents are immediately notified, a conference is requested, there is a required chemical assessment, and there are multiple requirements to meet. If a student refuses to comply with those terms, it could lead to expulsion. Second offenses are similar: a 10-day suspension, a chemical assessment, requirements must be met, along with an expulsion hearing that will be held to determine whether or not the student will be staying in the school.
Students caught using drugs at school are often labeled as “bad kids” or “just trying to fit in.” While the second statement may be true to some, that’s usually not the case with most. I think it’s important for school staff to implement the school policies, but I also think it’s important for them to try to understand why a student does these things. With that being said, there could be a million different reasons as to why students smoke. The most common reasons include coping with anxiety, escaping from a bad home life, coping with depression or other mental health issues, and/or to relieve stress. A lot of these kids turn to drugs because they feel like they don’t have any other support, either by family, teachers, or friends.
It may feel like no one cares and is just there to enforce school rules, but there are staff and teachers who want to help. Admitting you have a problem is hard, and admitting you need help is even harder. Forest Grove High School noticed this and just in the past year has started offering a drug counseling program to students. The program includes 2-3 meetings with a mental health coordinator who will help the student find better, healthier coping mechanisms. After the course, the counselor may or may not transfer the student to outside counseling. The program is optional, but it’s there, which is definitely progress in supporting students. For the teachers who want to help, just try to listen without judgment and offer any other resources if you have any. Just being there makes a huge difference. And for the students struggling with addiction and drug use, try talking to someone about it. It may be easier said than done, but even writing a note to someone you trust and taking resources when offered to you could make more of a difference than you think.
