Intermediate District 287 believes that all students, caregivers, and staff should be properly educated about chemical health to make better-informed decisions regarding their wellbeing. It’s understood that people use drugs and alcohol for many different reasons: to cope with stress, to feel a sense of belonging, to self-medicate a deeper issue, etc. Whatever the reason, repeated substance use is known to change the human brain over time to the point that it can seem impossible to stop.
Adolescents are at a particular risk of harm because drug and alcohol use can disrupt their natural brain and body development. The earlier the age that someone starts using drugs and alcohol, the more likely they are to develop an addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD). Substance use disorder is a condition that worsens over time and can completely derail a person’s life if left untreated. The good news is that many people do recover if they are given the right support and opportunity to do so. Here at District 287, our goal is to address substance use issues head on before they can turn into a life-long problem.
Chemical health and mental health both influence each other and can have profound impact on one's physical and emotional wellbeing. If you would like more information specifically regarding mental health resources, please see our "Mental Health" section above on the Student Supports page. You may also feel free to contact our Chemical Health counselor whose information is listed below.
Important Links
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Brief Informed Consent Form
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Opt Out Form
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
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"Start Your Recovery" (Find resources for yourself or someone in your life who would like recovery support)
Contact
Evan Flack, MA, LADC
Chemical Health Counselor
763.550.3170
ejflack@district287.org