News from the SAS Team
Monthly updates on current events, education and resources
summer is almost here!
Summer Break Supports
Unfortunately, teen substance abuse does not take a summer vacation. In fact, studies have shown that teens are more likely to start using substances during the months of June and July than any other month of the year. This could be due to a decrease in adult supervision and an increase in freedom for our teens, as well as a decrease in structure due to school not being in session.
With the supports available during the school year not being accessible, what is a parent to do if they are worried about their teen’s substance use? Fortunately, there are still supports available to students and families in the community. As a parent, you can always take your student to see their Primary Care Physician to be medically evaluated, and to discuss your substance abuse concerns. This could lead to referrals for substance abuse therapists. You can also contact your insurance company directly to get referrals for therapists/programs that are covered by your insurance plan. Another option as a Loudoun County resident, is to contact Loudoun County Mental Health Substance Abuse and Developmental Services. They have a 24-hour emergency services phone line (703-777-0320), as well as a crisis center that is open from 7am until 11pm 7 days per week (102 Heritage Way NE Suite 102 Leesburg, VA 20176). Clinicians there can make recommendations for substance abuse treatment and can assist in referrals for detox or rehab.
Families are also able to receive support through Al-Anon family groups (vaalanon.org). These groups provide support for people who are struggling with the substance use of a loved one. Al-Anon meetings occur throughout the week at various locations, and many meetings are offered virtually as well. There is no cost to participate in these groups.
Check out our recent presentations!
What Parents Need to Know: Legalization of Marijuana in VA
Presentation:
https://www.wevideo.com/view/2162246072
Link to Presentation Slides: https://www.lcps.org/cms/lib/VA01000195/Centricity/Domain/97/What%20Parents%20Need%20To%20Know.pdf
What's New In Teen Substance Use?
Parent Resource Services / Welcome (lcps.org) If you have any questions or need further information, email the Student Assistance Program Supervisor, Jen Evans, at Jennifer.Evans@lcps.org.
Who are Student Assistance Specialists?
Student Assistance Specialists have master’s degrees in social work or counseling and are frequently licensed by the Virginia Board of Social Work or Counseling. They have expertise in the fields of substance use and mental health. As members of the Unified Mental Health Team, Student Assistance Specialists advance LCPS initiatives of Substance Use Prevention, Social Emotional Learning and Suicide Prevention through K-12 education, support, prevention, intervention, referral services, staff development and consultation.
Student Assistance Specialists provide services and interventions designed to enhance the social, emotional and academic success of students by helping to address the needs of the whole child. The foundation of these interventions is a strength-based service delivery model focusing on developmental assets, risk/protective factors, prevention education and resiliency skill building.
To find your school's SAS assignment, visit our website listed below.
Email: jennifer.evans@lcps.org
Website: www.lcps.org/Page/1398
Phone: (571) 252-1014
Education and Support Resources
Increase Your Knowledge
https://www.lcps.org/Page/223622 - Parent/Student SUD information
https://www.lcps.org/Page/201540 - Alcohol Information
https://www.lcps.org/Page/184676 - Drug Information
https://www.lcps.org/Page/201538 - Tobacco and E-Cig Information
https://easyread.drugabuse.gov/ - Easy-to-read drug facts
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/comorbidity/covid-19-resources - COVID-19 & Substance Use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X20303992—Stanford study on vaping increasing COVID-19 risk
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets - DEA website - drug-specific information, pill identifiers, social media trends
https://www.addictionpolicy.org/addiction-a-z— Addiction Policy Forum website—provides educational videos and articles
https://starttalkingnow.org/ - Education and tips for parents on talking to their children about substance use
Support for you as a Loved One
https://www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org/ - Resource for families
https://drugfree.org/article/online-support-community-for-parents-caregivers/ - Online Support Community for parents/caregivers
https://www.alanondistrict10.org/ - Support for family members of someone struggling with addiction—Zoom meetings
https://www.alanondistrict10.org/zoom-meetings—Support for children of parents struggling with addiction—Zoom meetings
https://al-anon.org/for-members/members-resources/mobile-app/ - Find online Alateen meetings
https://www.addictionpolicy.org/find-help—Addiction Policy Forum website for finding and navigating the treatment experience
Find a Treatment Provider
https://findtreatment.gov/ - SAMHSA treatment locator
1-800-662-HELP (4357) TTY: 1-800-487-4889
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMSHA National Helpline
https://www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/smart-recovery-online/ - Online Recovery Community: Self-Management and Recovery Training
https://recoverydharma.org/- Recovery community based on Buddhist Principles, virtual meetings available
https://na.org/?ID=virtual_meetings—Virtual Narcotics Anonymous meetings
https://nvintergroup.org/ - Virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
https://www.lcps.org/Page/228303 - LCPS listing of community treatment providers