Neuroscience
This part of the brain is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and considering long-term consequences and it is the last part to fully develop.
The frontal lobe (or prefrontal cortex).
Why it Matters:
Students may look mature, but the brain system needed for judgment and self-control is still under construction. Intervention counselors help students “borrow” adult frontal lobe skills until their own catches up.
63
The number of non-code/support referrals received across the county in the 2025-26 school year.
Tropical evergreen tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia.
Kratom - has psychoactive properties, it acts as a stimulant(low dose) and a sedative(high dose). It is sold at gas stations and vape shops. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and warns against its use.
Currently none of these are approved by the FDA.
Vapes or E-cigarettes or ENDS(Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems), 6.2 million applications - only 45 authorized. These products have undergone rigorous scientific review, including toxicologic assessments.
“It’s not mine, a friend gave it to me”
Social pressures -
This brain chemical drops during adolescence, making teens more likely to seek novelty, intensity, and risk.
Dopamine
Why it Matters: Teens are neurologically primed to chase what feels exciting. It is crucial to help students find healthier ways to meet this need through sports, relationships, creativity, and meaningful goals.
187
The number of nicotine referrals received across the county in the 2025-26 school year.
This is significant trend of mixing stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, crack) with fentanyl.
Polysubstance Use/Crisis - Polysubstance use means using two or more drugs or substances—such as alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications—together or within a short time period. It can be intentional to enhance effects or unintentional (e.g., fentanyl contamination), and significantly increases the risk of unpredictable, severe, or fatal overdose.
Adults, 21+ can still legally possess up to one ounce of ___________.
Cannabis and can cultivate up to 4 plants. Selling cannabis for profit or buying recreational marijuana is illegal. Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed a legislative proposal that would have established a regulated adult-use cannabis retail market, meaning licensed recreational sales remain illegal.
“I found it at school”
“I found it in my parent’s car.
“I found it in the trash can.
Accessibility
The earlier a young person starts using substances, the greater their risk for developing this condition later in life.
Substance use disorder (addiction)
Why It Matters: The age of first use is one of the strongest predictors of later problems. Early support can significantly change long-term outcomes. 1 in 4 teens who start using substances before 18 meet the criteria for substance use disorder as adults.
2.9%
The percentage of secondary students across the county who received a code violation in the 2025-26 school year for nicotine, marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substance. (9150 students; 261 referrals)
Developed in the 1950s as potential analgesics, they were never approved for medical use due to their high addiction potential and risks, but have resurfaced as deadly street drugs, often proving to be significantly stronger than fentanyl.
Nitazenes - a class of extremely potent synthetic opioids that have recently emerged as dangerous contaminants in the illicit drug world.They are usually sold as a white, yellow, or brown powder or crystalline solid, but they are also found in counterfeit tablets (e.g., fake oxycodone), heroin, and other illicit drugs.
Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. What are 2 examples?
Some examples of Schedule I drugs are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote.
“I like the blue razz flavor.”
Flavoring intended to entice underage users
This challenge makes it harder for adults to recognize substance use today because products are often designed to resemble everyday items.
Concealment (or disguised products)? Why it matters: Many modern nicotine and THC products can look like school supplies, electronics, candy, or cosmetics. Awareness helps staff recognize potential concerns.
23
The number of students assigned to attend the 2nd Offense Parent/Student Workshop due to a second vaping device offense.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalised hemp, allowing manufacturers to turn hemp-derived CBD into other psychoactive compounds, what are these?
Delta 8 and Delta 10 - products are often unregulated(often legal) and may contain chemical impurities from synthesis. Then there is Delta 9 - standard THC, strong psychoactive high, Federally illegal.
"People at school make me so mad. I don’t really even like school, and other students make it worse."
Student’s attempt at coping with stress/uncomfy feelings
Research shows that this factor is often more influential on adolescent decision-making than facts alone.
Peer relationships (or peer influence)
Why It Matters:
Understanding the power of peer influence helps schools create positive cultures where healthy choices are encouraged and modeled.
34.04% increase
The percent increase of non-code/support referrals (34.04% - 47 to 63). However, we also had a 21.4% increase in code referrals (215 to 261) from the 2024-25 to the 2025-26 school year.
This product uses pharmaceutical-grade nicotine salt. It does not contain tobacco leaf.
Zyn or Oral Tobacco-Free Pouches, Because they deliver concentrated nicotine, Zyn pouches lead to dependency, tolerance, and addiction just like traditional tobacco products. The nicotine can still cause side effects like a racing heart, jitteriness, and nausea. Health organizations emphasize that while they avoid the harms of inhaling smoke, they are not a risk-free product.
“I’m in control of my vaping. If I want to stop, I can”
Less harmful than it actually is.
Some students have a low perception of harm around vaping. Optimism Bias-despite knowing the risks, the perception is that it won’t happen to them.