A recent post on my Facebook fan page said “I don’t think your presentation worked” made me think.  Of course, you can’t take everything someone says on your Facebook fan page to heart.  But there are times when you search your heart and it spurred me to write.

The goals of my seminar or presentations are simple.  First, I don’t think I have the power or intention to change people.  I believe teens are naturally good – my “default setting” if you will is “goodness” and health.  I think we live in a culture and perhaps a world that over values self-medicating and distraction, I feel the inner compass of people is to seek whole health.  Health that is free to control and regulate emotions and life challenges without the use of alcohol and other drugs.

I put students at the center of the classroom experience and allow students to define the agenda.  I encourage questions like – What do you want to pursue this week with me?  Do you want support of your decision to remain alcohol and drug free?  Do you want to learn strategies that can reduce the risk of drinking and/or using other drugs (knowing all drinking and drug use is risky and dangerous)  Do you want to learn where the line is between use, abuse, and dependence and determine where you may be?  Do you want to learn if you have a problem and what that means to you?  What do you need from me to make this relationship successful?  How can we work together most effectively?  Do you want to learn how to move towards a healthier life whether that includes alcohol or not?  Can I  help you find the help you need if you are afraid or concerned about yourself, friend, or family member.  And, how do we turn fear and confusion into hope and optimism.

I understand that defining “effective” is a personal and subjective experience that I have very little control over.  I believe “effective” is a process and not necessarily a measurable outcome.  The search is personal and involves cognitive as well as spiritual dimensions which do not always translate  into immediate behavioral change although it can.

I believe in creating a classroom environment that is fun, optimistic, and mutually respectful. I believe these conditions are necessary for people to consider change.  I accept students for who they are and not what I think they should be.  I focus more on strengths rather than weaknesses.  I feel teens are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole.  This is who I am.  This is what I believe.

1. What is the most popular form of substance abuse for high schoolers in 2009? Why is that so?

Alcohol and marijuana remain the most widely used substances on all campuses both secondary and higher education. One concerning trend is prescription drug abuse has doubled in the last five years.  Most notable among the abused prescribed drugs are the opiates including, but not limited to, Oxycontin and Vicodin.  We see widespread abuse of prescription stimulants in the college setting as well.  These drugs would include Ritalin and Adderall often prescribed to treat ADD/ADHD.

2. What makes teenagers want to engage in such dangerous activities?

The research around the initiation of alcohol and other drug use by teens suggests a myriad of explanations.  The teen years are a time where peer acceptance is a deep need among teens. There is a strong desire to fit in to one’s social group and this can lead to alcohol and other drug initiation.  I intentionally use the word “initiation” because the factors leading to initiation are different than those that contribute to sustained and dependent use of alcohol and other drugs.

Welcome.  I hope that your visit here indicates a shared commitment for increasing effective alcohol and other drug prevention and early intervention in schools and communities. 

 We know the challenges facing public and private secondary schools and higher education when it comes to alcohol and other drug use.  The change we all desire requires the collective will and participatory engagement from drug education practitioners, parents, community leaders, students, and education professionals.

Secondary schools, colleges and universities, and community coalitions have sought our partnership in:

• Presenting school assemblies to high school and college students.  Providing extended seminars “Our 4 Day” experience which is designed for schools looking for a long-term relationship.
• Faculty in-service training to enhance the skills and offer new distinctions for faculty to effectively address alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues of students in a school and community setting.
• Present programs for parents that increase parenting skills and strengthen beliefs that support raising drug-free teens.
• Hosting conversations that matter (Facilitation Services) to access the collective wisdom of the community towards positive change.  Conversations can be hosted for the parent community, a new strategic initiative for the school, a Head creating a new vision, or a Board retreat.
• Present to student leaders to engage them in alcohol,  drug, and mental health issues across their school – “turn student leaders’ values into action”.