It would be ludicrous to pretend that teenagers are not going find themselves in situations involving drugs and alcohol. Regardless of whether or not they have been designated at-risk, every high-school student needs to know about drink and drugs. This is unfortunate, but it’s reality.

If a non-at-risk student begins engages in substance abuse, they are putting themselves at risk, and those who are at-risk are more susceptible to drugs and alcohol. Drink and drugs offer an apparent escape to youths who are facing other difficulties in their lives. Ideally, teenagers should be taught about alcohol and drugs before they are faced with them, but the information is essential to any student who you think might already have a habit.

Look for local drug and alcohol education programs in your area. Here is a list of recommended drug and alcohol programs from the BC Ministry of Education.