The health and wellness of our students is a top priority in Meridian School District. In our schools, we use a variety of methods to educate students about substance abuse and prevention. We have a substance abuse interventional specialist and mental health coordinator who can assist in getting students and families connected to support and resources.
Families are a key partner in helping our students develop healthy habits and routines. Below are some tips for talking to your teen about substance abuse.
Not only are we here to support your student, but if you have questions about substance abuse or need support, please reach out to our school. Contacts for each school are listed on the right.
Our goals for substance abuse prevention:
- Increase knowledge about substance abuse
- Develop skills to refuse experimentation and use
- Develop healthy methods to cope with stress and anxiety
- Reduce and prevent substance abuse
Vaping FAQ
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol that is produced by an electronic vapor device when it heats up its liquid ingredients. Because of the rise in popularity of JUUL, currently the most popular brand of vaping device, many teens and young adults use the term “JUULING” (pronounced Jeweling), instead of vaping, when referring to the use of these products. More formally, these products are sometimes referred to as electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes. Less formally, some simply call them “vapes.” The contents of most vaping liquids (e-liquids) include nicotine, flavoring chemicals and other chemicals. Some vaping products contain (or are modified to contain) marijuana or THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
From the Partnership to End Addiction:
Vaping products, or vapes, come in many shapes and designs. Original devices intentionally looked like cigarettes, cigars or pipes so that they would feel familiar and appealing to smokers. Larger devices, known as tank systems or “mods,” do not look like cigarettes or other tobacco products but can be customized or modified by the consumer to have different flavors, nicotine doses or temperature limits. Today, vapes are small and discreet and resemble modern technology products, such as USB sticks/flash drives or cell phones, and other everyday objects like a pen, eraser or lipstick. Some are disposable while others can be reused by charging the device in the USB port of a computer or outlet charger and by replacing the e-liquid, either by filling the chamber or by using a replacement pre-filled pod or cartridge
From the Partnership to End Addiction:
Although many substances can be vaped, teens and young adults most commonly vape flavored e-liquids with nicotine or marijuana (THC). Thousands of flavoring chemicals. Vapes come in thousands of tasty, unmistakably child-friendly flavors, many with fun and enticing names. The flavors mask the harsh taste of nicotine and other chemicals contained in the e-liquid, making it easier to inhale the aerosol. Sweet, fun flavors like gummy bear and cotton candy often remind teens of happy childhood experiences, making them feel harmless. Recent crackdowns on flavors by federal, state and local governments have begun to shift the landscape of preferred vaping products among youth. Now that flavors, aside from menthol and tobacco, are generally banned in pod-based or closed-system devices like JUUL, loopholes in the regulations are driving kids to flavored disposable vapes that have even higher nicotine content and come in countless enticing flavors.
High levels of nicotine. Nicotine doses can range from 2mg/ml to more than 59mg/ml, and some companies are engaging in “a nicotine arms race,” trying to raise the dose to levels that exceed those found in regular cigarettes or competing vapes. Currently, one of the most popular vapes, JUUL, contains 59mg/ml of nicotine in each pod in the United States – an amount equal to about 1-2 packs of cigarettes.
Other chemicals, metals and ultrafine particles. The aerosol, which many teens believe is harmless water vapor, actually consists of many chemicals, heavy metals and fine particles – many of which are toxic and dangerous – and seep deep into the lungs and bloodstream when vaping.
Marijuana or other drugs. Increasingly, marijuana ingredients are found in vapes, including THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana that creates a sense of being high), the leaf form of marijuana, or CBD. Vapes are sometimes used to inhale other drugs, as well.
From the Partnership to End Addiction:
Teens say they vape for many reasons. Curiosity is one, and peer pressure is another. They see friends or family members vaping and they are drawn to the appealing flavors. For others, it’s to do vape tricks. Some also say they do it because they feel it is less harmful than other tobacco products and it’s also discreet.
- Educate students about mental health, wellness and healthy coping methods.
- Bathrooms are regularly and randomly checked by staff members.
- Reported incidents of vaping are investigated.
- We encourage students to report suspected drug use to our safety tip line.
- Searches are conducted only when reasonable suspicion warrants a search per policy and procedure 3230.
- Formal consequences for substance use, possessions or being under the influence.
- Referral to our substance abuse intervention specialist for intervention and education.
- As needed, referral to our mental health coordinator.
Potential Warning Signs of Substance Abuse
From youth.gov: It is important to take notice if there are several signs happening at the same time, if they occur suddenly, and if the behaviors are extreme. The following behaviors in a youth might indicate drug or alcohol abuse:
- Mood changes (temper flare-ups, irritability, defensiveness)
- Academic problems (poor attendance, low grades, disciplinary action)
- Changing friends and a reluctance to have parents/family get to know the new friends
- A “nothing matters” attitude (lack of involvement in former interests, general low energy)
- Finding substances (drug or alcohol) in youth’s room or personal effects
- Physical or mental changes (memory lapses, poor concentration, lack of coordination, slurred speech, etc.)
- Change in eating or sleeping habits
Warning signs indicate that there may be a problem that should be looked into—not that there is definitely a problem. If there is suspicion that a youth is abusing substances, it is important to first speak with them to get a better understanding of the situation. The next step would be to have your child screened for substance use by a professional (e.g., school counselor, social worker, psychologist). If there is no clear evidence of abuse, families should contact their primary health care physician to rule out a physical problem. If formal intervention is necessary, local substance abuse professionals should be contacted. In addition, it might be helpful to learn more about screening tools, prevention efforts, and treatments.
Talking to Teens About Substance Use
- Teach them about boundaries
- Be curious
- Keep the conversation current and casual
- Teach them to think critically
- Encourage and model maturity
Resources for Teens
- Choose You: Focus on what matters and find healthy ways to cope that work for you.
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Teen Link: You are not alone. Teen volunteers are available to talk with you about whatever is on your mind. Calls and chats are confidential. Help for teens by teens. (866) 833-6546 calls 6-10 p.m. – chat/text 6-9:30 p.m.
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2Morrow Health: 2Morrow Health is an app that helps teens who are trying to quit smoking or vaping. The program provides a personalized and non-judgmental experience.
Local, State and National Resources
- Whatcom County Health and Community Services
- For crisis stabilization (360) 676-2020
- Whatcom Families – Parenting Resources
- Catholic Community Services (360) 676-2187
- Washington Recovery Helpline (866) 789-1511
- Start Talking Now: Resources and Conversation Starters
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (800) 662-4357
- Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Mental Health Promotion
- Partnership to End Addiction
Washington State Departments of Health Resources
Contact:
Tawny Kemp
Substance Abuse Intervention Specialist
360-318-2259
Laura Lupo
Mental Health Coordinator
360-318-2470
Robert Kratzig
Assistant Principal
Meridian Middle School
360-318-2381
Shaun Doffing
Assistant Principal
Meridian High School
360-318-2281
WA Department of Health
School Resources
Safety Tip Line
Report safety concerns at our schools
