Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Abuse (ATODA) Programs

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse (ATODA) programs utilize a comprehensive approach based on a blend of various integrated components.

Information

Prevention education is delivered through various programs and the Health Curriculum. Information is provided regarding chemicals, peer pressure, refusal skills, and bonding activities.

Alcohol, Drugs and Youth

What are signs of drug use in adolescents, and what role can parents play in getting treatment?

Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugs

Intervention

Intervention services are provided through the Student Assistance Program (SAP) for students who are experiencing difficulties with chemicals through their own use or the use by a family member.

Positive peer pressure is encouraged through a variety of extra-curricular clubs in addition to Peer Helpers. The primary responsibility for adolescent substance abuse rests with knowledgeable parents, community resources, and networking support services in the area of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

Functions

  • Provide prevention education for every student every year with specific, research-based curricula
  • Provide intervention strategies for students who experience difficulty in their lives resulting from chemical abuse, either their own or someone else's
  • Stimulate positive peer pressure and healthy lifestyles through extra-curricular programs such as Peer Helpers
  • Provide education to parents who bear the main responsibility for rearing drug-free children
  • Engage in community awareness and networking activities which support ATODA programs for students
  • Plan and develop comprehensive ATODA programming which addresses all aspects of chemical abuse
  • Consult and collaborate with other student services personnel during scheduled meetings and informally as the need arises

Availability

Each school has an ATODA Building Coordinator. These building coordinators are responsible for overall coordination of ATODA programs within their buildings. District-wide coordination is the responsibility of the Student Services Coordinator who works with staff members to deliver the prevention, intervention, extra-curricular, and parent education components. These staff members are specially trained for their particular tasks.

Provision of Services

All students receive prevention instruction utilizing Board-approved curricula. Intervention services are provided to students according to specified models within the district's Student Assistance Program; written parental permission is required for elementary students to participate in SAP small groups. Student involvement in extra-curricular clubs is voluntary. Parents are routinely made aware of ATODA programs through their school newsletter and the prevention curriculum home activities.

Resources

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

NIDA for Teens

We Heart You
Sometimes, we all need a little help to get back on the right track. The We Heart You App can provide you or someone you know the help you need whether that's today, tomorrow or even the next day. 

The App includes resources for individuals struggling and family members or friends who want to connect their loved ones to help. Specific resources include info on:

  • Treatment resources
  • Support meetings
  • Access to narcan and harm reduction tools
  • Support services including food, housing, employment, and county services
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Mental and behavioral health screeners

AND a live chat feature where you can be connected to a recovery support specialist through phone, text, chat, or email to talk to someone who has been through it