When you consider the facts, teachers might have one of the most stressful jobs on the planet. Besides keeping tabs on a lineup of energetic and (at times) rowdy kids, these men and women have to put together advanced lesson plans, deal with overbearing parents, monitor bullying, practice medical safety, and serve as quasi-babysitters. So, in all that chose, how are teachers supposed to identify if their students are abusing drugs? With the right resources, this process might not be as hard as you think. In fact, some of the behaviors are easy to identify, if you know what to look for. Let’s take a closer look and see how teachers can determine if one or more of their students are drug abusers.
The Responsibilities of Educators
As part of regular procedure, problems related to student drug abuse are put in the same category as student safety and accident prevention practices for the school staff. Whenever children or teens are attending school, the principal, administrators, and teachers are singularly responsible for keeping these students secure and ensuring they have a rich learning environment. As part of legal proceedings, the government has established federal and state laws to ensure that schools remain drug-free (with the exception of some prescription medications, which must still meet criteria). However, as indicated by reporting laws, teachers do have the responsibility to report any drug abuse or addiction in the school.
Behavior and Symptoms to Watch out for
Ultimately, teachers can follow some guidelines to determine if their students are abusing drugs. Here are some common behaviors and symptoms to watch out for:
- Eyes: bloodshot eyes, pinprick/dilated pupils,
- Nose and mouth: frequent nosebleeds, sniffling, coughing, unending thirst
- Weight: sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Withdrawal: complaints of a severe headache, runny nose, sweating, nausea, vomiting, severe fatigue, sleeping through class
- Abnormally poor hygiene: dirty clothes, unwashed hair, strong body odor, dirty teeth, bad breath
- Skin: strange bruises or cuts, wearing long sleeves during the summer, flushed face
- Strange behavior: shaking, nervous tics, excessive picking of the face and arms
Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism
Alcohol and drugs are unfortunately realities of society, sometimes one that people cannot avoid no matter how hard they may try. Ensuing abuse and addiction can sometimes become so severe that people will lose touch with reality, the drug serving as their only option for living. However, this does not have to be the future for you.
Are you suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction? Is your friend or family members coping with one or both of these problems? In both cases, in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from drug and alcohol.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your addiction problems today. The time to take back control of your life is now.
