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Learn about the effects of drugs on the developing teen brain and how to get students back on track. Discover the impact of drugs, school drug policies, and ways to respond to drug use. Join our staff drug education talk and gain insights into influencing your students positively.
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OUSD Staff Drug Education Talk Staff Presentation
Thought Questions What are the drugs? What do the drugs do? How to get students back on track? What else would you like to learn about?
The Developing Teen Brain Drugs and Your Influence Responding to Drug Use School Drug Policy Get Students Back on Track “Influencing Your Students” Agenda
The Developing Teen Brain Staff Drug Education Agenda
New brain cells grow every day – 10,000! – Half to support current habits, half to support new ones! LEARNING IDEA: People can change if they focus their mind on it!
They can lose natural abilities - If they will stop doing them - includes being happy naturally Children have many gifts – they have to keep them all growing!
Teen Brain Habits become stronger They will become good at what they spend the most time on– Reading, sports, music, video games, x-box, hanging out—whatever a child/teen is doing— includes drinking, drugs to relieve stress The brain grows wirings and connections to support the mind’s idea make them experts at whatever they spend the most energy doing
Where does happiness begin? How does it work to grow us as humans?
Seeking to feel good all the time Using the natural chemical of “Dopamine” Dopamine grows their bodies Teens feel less happy LEARNING IDEA: Teens need adventure! Excitement! Challenges! Safety! …And opportunities to learn AS INDIVIDUALS! Teen Brain Development
Decision-making & self care just beginning Decision-making skills don’t fully develop until the age of 25 Teens are becoming independent and need to have experiences to find their truth LEARNING IDEA: Lead by asking the right questions…. Don’t tell… ASK Teen Brain Development
The National Drug I.Q. Test Staff Drug Education Agenda
Drugs and Your Influence Staff Drug Education Agenda
How do drugs work? • Drugs Force Large Releases of Dopamine
What do Drugs Do? Force the brain to release any or all neuro chemicals: dopamine, seratonin, adrenaline, and/or glutamate (natural pain killer) The non-mood producing chemicals kill brain cells Brain goes into survivor mode and attacks chemicals in brain causing hangover, depression, and loss of energy
Why Do Youth Use Drugs? Lack of Love Connection Post Traumatic Stress Nobody cares Insecure Family/Friends Uses/Sells Drugs Lack of direction
Psychological Effects Initially: Euphoria, new reality, increased personal power & confidence. -Later: depression, high anxiety, isolation Lack of personal confidence Increased desire to repeat the drug experience; replacing previous rewarding behaviors and activities World begins to revolve around drug use as cravings dominate thought processes
Short Term Effects High in class Extreme mood changes Asleep or overly energetic in class Increased dishonesty and breaking of commitments Avoiding eye contact Late or missing more days of school Headaches
What drugs are being used?& How are they being used? • Marijuana? • Alcohol? • Pills (prescription & non-prescription)? • Syrup?
What drugs are being used?& How are they being used? • Tobacco? • Marijuana? • Alcohol? • Pills (prescription & non-prescription)? • Syrup?
Who is at risk? • Who is taking the drugs? • Who is under a lot of stress? • Who needs friends and acceptance?
Tobacco • Cigarettes • Candy flavored cigars • Chewing tobacco (candy flavored) • E-Cigarettes • Blunts (hollow cigars with marijuana)
Tobacco Effects Brain changes > addiction Lung damage > problems breathing Heart damage > weaken Skin problems > wrinkles
New Marijuana is strong! • Marijuana 20-25 times stronger than in the 1960’s • New product: Synthetic Marijuana • New product: Marijuana Wax
Marijuana Effects • Learning challenges • Memory Difficulties • Motivation lost! • Danger of Mental Illness • Addiction • Try other drugs?
Signs of Use Marijuana: Blood shot, sleepy eyes combined with slow reactions and stumbled vocabulary, skunky smell Alcohol: Smell of alcohol, slurred speech, dramatic changes in personality, lack of coordination
Alcohol kills brain cells! • Alcohol gives false courage • People do what they want, not what is right • People can die from overdose • One time can cause permanent brain damage • Addictive • Commit felonies or get pregnant
Signs of Use Speed: (Meth, Cocaine, Ritallin, diet pills) Excitability, dilated pupils, rapid speech, bouncing off the walls. Ecstasy: Dilated pupils, overly friendly and trusting, sweating, feverish to touch Heroin, PCP, Oxycotin, Cough Syrup: Sluggish, droopy eye lids, extremely insensitive to touch, slurring of speech.
Long term Consequences LEARNING IDEA: Drugs are not good for children brain development Dramatic Changes in Brain Chemistry Retardation of Brain Development Psychological Impairment Physical Problems Physical Addiction Public Record Drug Use Death
Responding to possible overdose Call for help immediately Ask your student to tell you exactly what they took and when. (some ingested drugs will kick in dramatically after 15 to 45 minutes) Ask if anyone else took drugs with them Ask them to tell you what’s going on with their body, their feelings, and their thoughts If passing out, lay on their side > keep passageways open
Assess the Situation Safety first: Everybody’s Is the student(s) in danger? Call 911 Call the Principal Call the Parent
Intervening With Students Who Are Exhibiting Drug-Using Traits What to do if signs of use are present? Notice any changes in attitude, behavior, school performance? Any new friends that may be behind the changes? What do the other teachers tell you?
School Policy for Drug Use on Campus Ask Principal what the School Policy is Inform students about policy beforehand Be prepared to apply the policy Help develop the policy Drug Awareness Session for Violation Thoughts to consider: How would you like to be treated… Appropriate consequences are the most powerful teacher in life. What’s in the best interest of child > long term
Upon Return from Suspension On-Track Guidance For grades 7-12: Have a confidential discussion. Ask student what they learned from their experience, who was harmed? Set up a student academic assistance plan (K-6) Parents involved in this same discussion
Upon Return from Suspension On-Track Guidance Restorative Plan: assign student to research and report/present about drugs and their effects on their peers. Establish enrichment opportunities with caring adults and peers in a safe emotional environment.
Parent Partnership • Tell them good things about their child. • Discuss the using incident. • Inquire as to how the parents have handled the situation. Listen carefully: • Ask the parent if they feel what they are doing is working. If not, ask them if they are open to suggestions. • Introduce Parents to Strength-based approaches to parenting (Charlie Appelstein)
Are parents setting aside one-on-one bonding time? What’s happening at home? Is there a family crisis? Encourage parents to spend 2 hours on a “fun” date with each child, each week to build relationship Encourage parents to tune in with their child to pick up on problems or changes in his/her behavior. Encourage parents to monitor their social media
Programs/Counseling Chronic users: refer them to counseling. Note: Some students have severe emotional and psychological issues and lack the resilience necessary to not use drugs. Involve mental health professionals to assist students in overcoming their personal obstacles.
Legal Issues Selling of drugs is a crime at any age (punishments will vary by age) Always Document incidences of drug and violence to aid law enforcement in cases of domestic violence and drug selling to protect the victims and yourself The Principal usually calls the police, however be prepared to make the call
Get Students Back on Track Staff Drug Education Agenda