School enforces consequences for using illicit substances on campus

Sophia Johst| Copy Editor

Smoking on campus is prohibited and it’s generally assumed the consequences of such actions are serious. The specific repercussions following the possession or usage of marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on school grounds are not known by many. It is essential to understand the consequences of these illegal behaviors in order to prevent future usage or stop current activities involving drugs on campus. One immediate result of possessing THC or marijuana on school grounds is an automatic mandatory placement in the OC (Opportunity Center).

“Normally, if we catch someone and determine that it’s THC or marijuana, we suspend the student for three days so we can investigate and fact check the situation,” Grebb said. “Then we have a placement conference to determine if we will send them to the DAEP.”

How to quit

Kaitlyn Nash | Co-Editor

Disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) is an additional consequence and form of rehabilitation for troubled students. The program is an alternative to regular classes for students who have violated Student Code of Conduct.

“We also do a citation, or the SROs will, and decide if the student will have to do community service or volunteering of some sort,” Grebb said.

While the consequences of obtaining drugs on campus are serious, that is not to say students can’t come back from it and redirect their future.

“You can definitely come back from it,” Grebb said. “A lot of times, when kids go to the OC or another program their grades go up because it’s a little more controlled environment without the distractions of a huge high school.”

It is imperative to recognize the effects of illegal actions on campus,

Identify your triggers and how to deal with them. These triggers could be parties, marijuana paraphernalia, or certain friends.

Have a conversation with your friends and family about what your triggers are and how you would like them to support you in your journey

Surround yourself only with people supportive but it is also crucial to acknowledge the factors that lead to a student using drugs. Mental health and peer pressure seem to be the leading contributor to teenage drug use.

“Sometimes drugs are used to numb or mask feelings or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression,” school social worker Lori Carl said. “It seems like a lot of times there are groups of students together in the bathrooms that are smoking together, and the pressure to do what the group of friends is doing can be strong.”

Mental health struggles and peer pressure can nudge students down a detrimental path that, in some cases, can damage physical health and have permanent effects.

“Many of these substances are not regulated and students can inhale and ingest things that can cause long term issues including death,” Carl said. “There are some students that do not of your anti-drug journey. People who aren’t supportive aren’t friends.

Get ready for the withdrawal symptoms and prepare. Some symptoms include insomnia, anger or aggression, and anxiety

Find a weed replacement. Some emotional replacements could be yoga or finding a new hobby. If you use marijuana for quelling aliments, feel as though they can cope without smoking during the school day. Those are the students that I would like to work with to seek help to find other healthy and legal ways to cope with stress or mental health issues.”

The core of the issue is addiction. A decent amount of students punished for carrying drugs are unable to go a full school day without smoking, hence the use of drugs in the school bathrooms. In order to get smoking on school grounds under control, the root of the issue, addiction and struggles with mental health, need to be addressed.

“If you feel you are experiencing mental health issues or illness please talk to your school social worker or counselor for help,” Carl said. “We care deeply about our students and want all students to feel safe and enjoy a drug free environment.” ginger can be used to quell upset stomachs, Valerian root can help with anxiety and insomnia, and ibuprofen or acetaminophen are common pain relievers.

Going cold turkey can be hard. If the resources are available, reach out to an addiction treatment center.