Fourth Edition, September 2011

Educational implications
Students who are having problems with abusing alcohol or other substances may have diffi
culty focus-
ing on classroom activities, or may behave in inappropriate ways. They may also have increased absences 
from school, and fall behind in their schoolwork. They may present a safety hazard in courses that involve 
using machinery or require good judgment. 
Check your Board’s procedures for dealing with students who appear to be intoxicated or under the infl u-
ence of drugs. Seek direction from your principal if you have questions about what to do.
Substance Abuse:
What Teachers Can Do 
Teachers have a unique opportunity to provide preventive education, by providing chil-
dren with the substance use/abuse knowledge and skills they need to make healthy lifestyle 
choices. 

Incorporate lessons about alcohol and other drugs into the curriculum.

Talk to students about why people may use drugs and alternative things they could do.

Examine personal values and beliefs related to substance use and abuse.

Refl ect on personal or familial experiences with alcohol and other drugs.

Be a strong role model for students by modeling positive behavours, providing guid-
ance and support, and helping student to make smart decisions. 

Know the general signs or symptoms indicating that a young person may have a sub-
stance use problem and/or a mental health concern.

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F 7
Drug and Alcohol Problems
Making a Diff erence: An Educators’ Guide to Child and Youth Mental Health Problems
www.cymhin.ca
More information
Website
The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health
The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health has many helpful resources for teachers on mental 
illness and substance use problems. Visit their website at www.camh.net.
Books
Preventing Addiction
John C. Fleming, CrossHouse Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-0929292458
Drinking and Drugs in My Family: A Child’s Workbook About Substance Abuse in the 
Family
Wendy Deaton, Hunter House, ISBN-13: 978-0897931526
Parenting 911: How to Safeguard and Rescue Your 10- to 15- Year-Old from Substance 
Abuse, Sexual Encounters, Violence, Failure in School, Danger on the Internet, and 
Other Risky Situations
Charlene C. Giannetti, Broadway, ISBN-13: 978-0767903219
Adolescent Drug & Alcohol Abuse: How to Spot It, Stop It, and Get Help for Your 
Family
Nikki Babbit, Patient Centered Guides, ISBN-13: 978-1565927551
Drug Abuse: A Family Guide to Detection, Treatment & Education
A. James Giannini, Practice Mgt Information Corp, ISBN-13: 978-1885987112
A Teen’s Guide To Living Drug-Free
Bettie B. Youngs, HCI Teens, ISBN-13: 978-0757300417
Addiction: An Information Guide
Centre for Addition and Mental Health, ISBN-13 978-0-88868-483-7

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G 1
Self-Harm
Making a Diff erence: An Educators’ Guide to Child and Youth Mental Health Problems
www.cymhin.ca