1. LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Student Assistance Services
An Update on Adolescent Tobacco Use Blaise Carland, LCSW …working as a team to support our students

2. SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM
Creates a supportive environment for change rather than solely a disciplinary action
Provides services to youth who are concerned about their own alcohol and other drug use
Educate youth on the risks associated with alcohol and other drugs in order to empower them to make healthy and informed decisions
This slide discusses the core beliefs of LCPS SAEP.

3. Prevention Questions …
Why do adolescents use?
Boredom
Curiosity
Peer Pressure
Cope with stress
Cope with mental health concerns
Who is at greatest risk?
Conflict in peer relationships
Mental health issues
Sudden loss or change
Changes in peer group
Substance use at home
Lacks interests/isolates
Family problems
Already experimented with tobacco, vaping/e-cigarettes
Academic pressures/poor performance
Attendance issues

4. Tobacco, E-cigarettes & Vaping
Increase in use of e-cigarettes has led to an increase in the number of teens who smoke over the past few years (even though tobacco use has declined).
9.5% of 8th graders, 14% of 10th graders, and 16.2% of 12th graders reported use in the last month (Monitoring the Future Survey)
E-cigarettes do not contain tobacco but do contain nicotine
Inhaling smoke from a Hookah contains the same carcinogenic components found in cigarette smoke
Vape Pens can be used to smoke dry herbs, liquids, or hash oil
This information to “Mod” the vape is easily found on the internet
Less odor and smoke make use more discreet and undetectable to parents
Traditional cigarette use among teens is at it’s lowest point since The original intent of e-cigarettes was to help wean smokers off cigarettes. However, they are having a reverse effect as some e-juice delivers higher amounts of nicotine than traditional cigarettes. Also, there has been limited research on the short term and long-term effects of inhaling the other ingredients found in e-juice. For example, the flavorings, coloring, and chemicals.

8. LCPS Tobacco and E-cig 8240 Violation Policies
If caught possessing tobacco, including vaping/e-cig materials, in school or on school property
(1st offense)
3 day In school suspension.
Items are held and given to parents.
If caught using tobacco, including vaping/e-cig, in school or on school property (1st offense)
3 day out-of-school suspension

9. LCPS Tobacco and E-cig 8240 Violation Policies
If caught possessing tobacco, including vaping/e-cig materials, in school or on school property
(2nd offense)
3 day out of school suspension.
If caught using tobacco, including vaping/e-cig, in school or on school property(2nd offense)
5 day out-of-school suspension

10. The Role of the Student Assistance Specialist
Substance Use and Violence Prevention, Education and Intervention
Promotion of Mental Health and Wellness
Drug & Alcohol Interviews and Community Referrals
Prevention, Education and Early Intervention Support Groups
Consultation for Administration, Faculty and Parents
Middle & High School Substance Education & Prevention Presentations
Staff, Parent, & Community Education & Prevention Presentations
Individual Sessions with students
This slide provides an overview of prevention and intervention services available to LCPS students. Student Assistance Specialists provide these comprehensive services to address the needs of students. Student Assistance programs focus on substance abuse, mental health issues, and violence prevention. Student Assistance Specialists have a master’s degree in social work or counseling, frequently are licensed by the Virginia Board of Counseling, and have expertise in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. Student Assistance Specialists typically are assigned to 6-8 secondary schools and elementary schools as needed.
Student Assistance Specialists provide prevention services at the middle and high school level. They provide classroom presentations during Health and PE to all 8th and 10th graders. Upon request, our specialists will deliver additional presentations to school-based faculty, parents, and community members.
Students can voluntarily participate in more specialized services including individual and group support. Referrals can be made by school staff, administrators, parents, community agencies or members, and other students. Our SAS will introduce themselves to the referred student, assess service needs through an interview, and provide recommendations.

11. Tips for Parents Identify your philosophy towards drugs and alcohol.
What would be your response if your child became involved with tobacco/drugs/alcohol
Have a conversation with your child (children) about drugs and alcohol.
Better to be proactive than reactive.
Tailor the conversation to your audience.
Discuss what your actions would be if…
This will give you’re a child a clear idea of what would occur AND provide a refusal skill if offered drugs,etc.

12. Tips for Parents (CONT)
Educate yourself on technology
Facebook is not the only social medial
Old phones and computers can be used by your children in a pinch
Be aware of what medications you have laying around
Keep track of how much money you’re giving your children

13. Web Resources
Please see our LCPS Mental & Behavioral Health Services page for additional information.
LCPS Mental & Behavioral Health Services
NIDA for Teens/Parents
Drug Enforcement Administration Parent Tool Kit
Prevent Drunk Driving
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: Get Help Parent Tool Kit
Kids Health
National Institute of Mental Health
National Institute on Drug Abuse -Monitoring Future Survey

14. Student Assistance Services SA Prevention Team 571-252-1014
Supervisor: Jennifer Wall, LPC
Student Assistance Specialists:
Blaise Carland, LCSW THS/SMS, LCH/JLS
Kim Hager, LPC SBH/TSM, RVH/BEM
Fiona Brown, LPC RRH/SHM, DMH/SRM
Amy Iliffe, LPC WHS/HRM, LVH/BRM
Darren Madison, MSW JCH/MMS, FHS/JML
Megan Marshall, LPC HTH/HPM, DCS
Keith Robinson, MSW PVH/STM, PFH/RBM
Allyne Zappalla, MSW BWH/ERM, BRH/FWS, BBM

15. QUESTIONS?