For a moment, imagine how many difficulties teachers have to face during each work day. Besides having to put together extensive lesson plans and purchase all of their classroom materials, these men and women have to teach intensive classes, observe student behavior, deal with unpleasant and rude parents, handle a boatload of policies associated with student safety, and (in some cases) serve as a mixture of parents and doctors. Needless to say, the life of a teacher isn’t as easy as it used to be. So, imagine how difficult the situation can become when one of their students is an addict. Considering all the rules they have to flip through, teachers may feel a bit touchy about dealing with this problem. So, what is the best way for a teacher to handle a student who is an addict? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Offering Help When Needed
Keep in mind that, at the start of a new school year, teachers have to create relationships with new students, so the level of trust has yet to be established. In this case, if teachers suspect that one or more of their students are engaging in drug-related activity, they should immediately report this problem to the school counselor and administration. Schools have to establish trust, above anything else.
Be the Voice of Reason
In the case of a teacher who has formed relationships with students, conversing with them might not be too difficult. If a student frequently misses classes and/or exhibits the emotional and physical problems associated with drug problems, teachers have the obligation to help them. Since they have to perform the dual role of parent/educator in some cases, teachers should also consider telling the student that they care about their well-being and are not angry with their behavior.
Here are some ways you can motivate your students, if you are a teacher:
- Try to coax the student into talking about their problems with you.
- Share stories about your past experience with addicts. (Perhaps you once endured rehab.)
- Try to incorporate drug counseling techniques (subtle ones) into class sessions.
- In situations where drugs are big problems in the school, suggest the integration of a 12-step program to administration.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
Drug abuse and addiction are serious mental illnesses that can and will destroy the mind and body, so imagine how severe the situation can become when children are the abusers and the addicts. As a public health epidemic continues to rage across our country, we have to keep a closer eye on our little ones (now more than ever), but the prospect of drug problems among teens and young adults (who are independent from their parents, to an extent) is still a major concern.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get 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 overcome your attachment to dangerous drugs.
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 mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
