Bloomington schools tackling substance misuse challenges

Drugs and alcohol are among the most detrimental, yet most common disruptions in teenage brain development. They manipulate the brain’s wiring and affect the way the brain processes and retains information, including the way a teen thinks, focuses, learns, remembers, and concentrates inside and outside of school.

Despite the risky nature of early substance use, drug and alcohol misuse in schools and among adolescents is an all too common occurrence. Research shows chemical use of any kind has negative impacts on student’s personal, social, and academic success. By senior year in high school, nearly 50 percent of teens have tried an illicit drug. And this is just the beginning. Over 65 percent of teens have consumed alcohol by the end of high school.

When drug use is prevalent and substances are increasingly easy to get, there is an above average chance middle and high school students have already been exposed to drugs and alcohol.

Bloomington Public Schools is committed to collaborating with students, families and the community to promote chemical health awareness through prevention, intervention, and support. The district’s new Chemical Health Plan outlines a series of goals to meet student needs through ongoing staff development, school-based counseling and support, and consultation with licensed professionals.

As part of an information, engagement and awareness campaign, we are launching a series of events in April and May, and the newly released Let’s Be Honest video.   

Promoting and supporting chemical health is an important component to achieving success personally and academically. Working together, we can address health and social problems related to substance misuse, and support youth intervention, prevention and treatment. Learn more at bit.ly/bps-chemical-health.