Struggling with Substance Use

Adolescent substance use is a serious—and potentially deadly—problem with many repercussions for the adolescent, the family, and society at large. It is also an issue that too few education professionals feel prepared to address even as they see it playing out in their schools and classrooms. Struggling with Substance Use: Supporting Students’ Social Emotional Learning presents evidence on the magnitude of the problem and the many underlying factors and commonly co-occurring disorders associated with student substance use. It covers the risk factors for adolescent substance use (e.g., trauma, ADHD, peer pressure, and family dysfunction) and contrasts each with specific protective factors that education professionals need to consider when designing schoolwide programs and classroom initiatives. Each chapter concludes with an example of an evidence-based program that has made a difference for students and families. Armed with knowledge, understanding, and examples of proven programs, school professionals can incorporate the necessary protective factors to provide hope and help for struggling students and their families.

After my years in the field working with dual-diagnosis, I can honestly say that a book written by an educator with knowledge in substance use disorders is the perfect supplemental resource for all educators. Research shows us the importance of understanding the impact of substance use and mental health from an early age, and allowing our educators to increase their awareness and understanding will provide the additional support our children truly need., Deborah Lynch clearly has not only an excellent grasp of the research but a passionate desire to offer help, support, knowledge, and training to others. Though it’s presented through the lens of school, Struggling with Substance Use: Supporting Students’ Social Emotional Learning is a useful book for social workers, clergy, community workers, and others who are impacted by addiction., Every day in substance abuse treatment we see living examples of the trauma and co-occurring disorders that Struggling with Substance Use: Supporting Students’ Social Emotional Learning alerts readers to. Educators, social workers, and policy makers will change the futures of the most vulnerable by reading and responding to this exceptional well-researched book.

Deborah Lynch has taught at the elementary, high school, and college levels and recognized the need for greater awareness and understanding of student substance use on the part of school personnel. She is also a certified addiction counselor who works to increase awareness and support for students and their families in today’s schools.