Both students and staff in our school have recently displayed a concern about drug usage in our school.
Our school statistically has a problem, but where do problems like these start?
“The addiction is filling a void for something the person feels is missing in their life,” said guidance counselor Sue Leadholm.
Those who get addicted are often introduced to the drugs through peer pressure, friends, or family members. It is very common for older peers to introduce younger peers to a drug.
“Drug addiction is like any addiction. When a person uses or eats or exercises too much, then it takes over or controls their life. It becomes abuse,” said Leadholm.
Those who are addicted often do not know or can’t see it.
“They are too wrapped in their issues or in denial. Obviously drugs are illegal, so it is more of a problem,” said Leadholm.
Someone can be addicted on different levels, and some are more serious than others.
“Once a person becomes chemically dependant on something they need to take more and more to get the same feeling,” said Leadholm
The current school policy for drug use in school is expulsion.
“The School Board policy [on drugs] is the same as most schools: the student must be taken for expulsion and then the Board decides,” said Weddig.
When a student is expelled, they are not simply thrown out the door.
