Chemical Health Programs in District 742

Every day, approximately 4,700 American youth under age 18 try marijuana for the first time.

In 2003, nearly nine out of 10 twelfth graders reported marijuana as being accessible. By the time they finish the eighth grade, approximately 50 percent of adolescents have had at least one drink, and more than 20 percent report having been “drunk”.

Drug and alcohol use by teens increases the risk of addiction and can change the developing brain for life.

Despite these statistics, one thing remains true. Adults have a profound influence in a teen’s decisions about drug use.

In 1989, District 742 and Recovery Plus developed a model of chemical health services in the schools that is recognized throughout the state. The mission of the Chemical Health Consultants is to promote a chemical-free lifestyle with youth so as to allow them to develop to their full potential.

Each individual has within himself or herself the strength, capability, and potential to make healthy lifestyle choices.

The consultant’s goal is to nurture those choices by supporting the schools in implementing effective research-based strategies in education, prevention, and intervention services.

The consultants offer a wide range of services to youth, parents and school staff. The needs of the school and the availability of funding define the breadth and scope of these services. Currently, consultants are funded through Title IV (Safe and Drug Free Schools), Safe Schools/Healthy Students, and the Family Services Collaborative.

Education services can include:
· classroom presentations
· staff workshops
· Insight classes for youth
· social skills training
· anger management
· conflict resolution
· health promotion.

Student support services can include:
· support group facilitation
· individual counseling
· parent contacts
· peer leadership
· youth services programming
· mentoring
· intervention and referrals

The consultants also help orchestrate a climate within the school that is intolerant of alcohol and drug use and abuse. They help influence the school and community on strategies to reduce youth chemical use.

St. Cloud Area School District recognizes the relationship that exists between successful school experiences and sound physical, emotional, and mental health. Research has shown that chemical use and dependency impedes educational processes. District policy is to make every effort to ensure that necessary help for student chemical use problems, including chemical dependency, is obtained. District 742 believes that chemical dependency is a treatable illness, which can be treated so that the majority of individuals will be returned to healthy, stable, and productive lives. Identification and response to chemical use problems in early stages will benefit the students and the community.

Does it work?

Data from a survey of District 742 students in 6th, 9th, and 12th grade shows that the percentage of students using chemicals is decreasing:

· Students who used alcohol in the past year dropped significantly for both male and female 12th graders

· Cigarette use in the past 30 days decreased from 43% to 21% for 12th grade

· Marijuana use in the past year for 12th grade males decreased from 38% to 24%

· Alcohol and cigarette use among 6th graders also decreased slightly