Substance Use Prevention

Prevention is about building skills, increasing awareness, and creating positive opportunities. We offer age-appropriate education about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, along with programs that strengthen decision-making, coping skills, and healthy peer relationships.

We also promote student engagement through meaningful activities, service opportunities, and school-wide efforts to support a healthy, connected school culture. Our prevention work is collaborative and woven into both curriculum and student life.

ETHS is committed to supporting students’ health, safety, and well-being. We understand that substance use can impact learning, relationships, and mental health—and we’re here to help.

Our Student Assistance Program (SAP) provides confidential support services for students who may be experimenting with substances, concerned about their use, or impacted by substance use in their family or social circles.

• Private consultation and assessment with our SAP Social Worker

• Supportive conversations to understand the student’s experience, without judgment

• Individual or group services, including education and skill-building

• Referrals to community-based services, when needed (including outpatient or inpatient treatment)

• Ongoing follow-up to monitor progress and support student success

• Family engagement to create a shared plan for support

Confidentiality & Trust

Students can speak with the SAP Social Worker in a private, safe space. Information shared in SAP meetings is treated with care and respect. In most cases, these conversations remain confidential unless there is a safety concern or the student gives permission to involve others.

We believe that early support can make a difference—and that students deserve compassion, not punishment. If you or someone you know may need help, you are not alone.

When a student is showing signs of possible substance use—or when concerns are raised by peers, parents, or staff—early intervention can be key to getting them the help they need.

At ETHS, intervention is a supportive, non-punitive process that prioritizes student well-being. The goal is not to punish, but to understand what’s going on and connect students with appropriate help.

How Referrals Work:

Students may be referred to the Student Assistance Program (SAP) in a variety of ways:

• Self-referral

• Concerned peers or family members

• School staff (such as teachers, deans, safety officers, or nurses)

• Policy violations or behavioral concerns

Once a referral is made, the SAP Social Worker gathers information to better understand the situation. This often includes a confidential conversation with the student and may involve the family to gain insight into the student’s needs and perspective.

What Happens Next:

If appropriate, a personalized support plan is created to reduce barriers to learning and support the student’s overall well-being. This may include:

• Individual or group sessions with the SAP Social Worker

• Substance use education

• Referrals to counseling, treatment, or other community services

ETHS partners with students and families throughout the process to ensure they feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.

At ETHS, we believe that students thrive when families and schools work together. When it comes to substance use concerns, our goal is to build a trusting partnership with parents and guardians—centered on care, communication, and shared support for the student.

Families play a vital role in the Student Assistance Program. When a concern arises, we work closely with families to:

• Understand the student’s experience and any underlying challenges they may be facing

• Collaborate on a plan of support that meets the student’s needs, both in and out of school

• Connect families with resources, including education, counseling, and community services

Conversations with families are confidential, respectful, and rooted in support—not judgment. Whether a student is experimenting, struggling, or simply in need of guidance, our team is here to listen and help. We recognize that each family’s journey is different, and we’re committed to walking alongside you with empathy and care.