Items of Interest

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens (NIDA for Teens)

First resource: website for National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens (NIDA for Teens). https://teens.drugabuse.gov/teens/videos

The first resource is the website: National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens (NIDA for Teens). NIDA for Teens is a component of the National Institute of Health (NIH). Information and resources (Spanish and English) provided are science-based (evidence-based). The focus is teens (11-17) and the purpose is to educate teens, parents, teachers and other educators on the facts about drugs and their effects on the brain and body. The goal is to help teens use critical thinking to be able to make informed decisions about possible drug usage and their health.

The site has separate sections and resources for teens, parents and teachers. 

For teens, there is a Q & A section with scientific facts about an extensive list of drugs, their effects on the body and brain and data of teen usage. There are a variety of videos, games, infographics, Drug & Health Blog and publications that can be viewed on the site. Brain Development (3 minutes long) is a good introductory video presented by a teen. 

For teachers, there are 90 science-based lessons with multimedia activities for classroom use. National standards, appropriate grade level and lesson plans can be downloaded and classroom materials ordered free.  Additionally, information about National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (3/30/2020-4/5/2020) with resources for hosting school events is available. 

For parents, information is provided (scientific facts, videos and links to resources) for prevention of teen drug usage and drug treatment programs.

When working in School Social Work, the NIDA website is very helpful for Universal Substance Use Prevention programs and targeted work with student (in groups or individually), who have used or are using drugs. This website gives the School Social Worker important knowledge on a wide variety of drugs, their effects on different parts of the body and tools/resources that can be used when speaking with students about drug usage. With the legalization of marijuana in January 2020, research has suggested that teen usage of marijuana may escalate. Additionally, parents may not realize the increased potency of marijuana (compared to decades ago) and the dangers of marijuana usage on the developing adolescent brain.

Extra resource: School Services Sourcebook

Franklin, C., Harris, M. B., & Allen-Meares, P. (Eds.). (2013). The school services sourcebook:

A guide for school-based professionals (2^nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

This is a great resource filled with evidence-based practices for the School Social Worker. It focuses on many aspects of School Social Work including resources for improving Student Support Services (methods and frameworks); resources for working with students with mental health, developmental and/or physical disorders; resources for working with students with substance abuse, health, interpersonal and/or social problems; crisis intervention, etc. This book also illustrates efforts to deal with school engagement, attendance, dropout prevention, violence, bullying, conflict resolution, sexual assault, gangs and efforts to improve multicultural and community relations. Assessments, interventions (Tiers 1, 2 and 3), therapies, trainings, examples and extensive references are presented. This book can definitely increase the social worker’s knowledge and skill base working with students from elementary through high school age.