Substance Abuse Prevention & Educational Intervention

ACPS Substance Abuse (SA) Prevention and Intervention Services

The primary responsibility for helping students who are involved with substance abuse lies with students and their parents. Nevertheless, the Department of Student Services & Equity (DSSE) strives to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) approach to providing a supportive school environment for students involved with substance use or abuse. As such, DSSE supports substance abuse prevention and early intervention programs that vary according to individual needs. Included among these are programs to educate students about the harmful effects of illegal drugs and alcohol; the misuse of drugs and other legal substances; programs for staff in the identification of substance abuse; and activities and programs for those who need help with intervention activities and programs. The department's substance abuse prevention and early intervention program may provide group experiences, individual counseling, and other programs. Additionally, referral of students and parents to community agencies for assistance, at the parent's expense, may also occur.