NCJ Number
109377
Date Published
1988
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This book identifies ways in which the school environment 'enables' students to begin and continue alcohol/drug abuse within the school setting and suggests ways to counter such an 'enabling' system.
Abstract
An enabling system consists of that constellation of ideas, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors that unwittingly allow or encourage alcohol/drug problems to continue or worsen by preventing the alcohol/drug abuser from experiencing the consequences of drug abuse. Some factors in an enabling system include perpetuation of myths regarding the effects of alcohol/drug abuse, failure to counter students' belief that drug and alcohol abuse is acceptable social behavior, and not providing a structure of distasteful consequences for drug and alcohol abuse. The book outlines how classroom teachers, pupil services workers, administrators, and others in the school setting may foster an enabling system for drug/alcohol abuse. Steps in combatting the enabling system are to educate the enablers themselves about the concept of enabling; to give school personnel the opportunity to examine the sources of enabling in themselves; to allow school staff to deal with their own experiences with alcohol/drug problems; and to provide the commitment, leadership, and support for changes in enabling behavior. Enabling checklists are provided for educators, parents, and students. 8-item annotated resource list.