Drug Abuse--A School Disaster and A Problem for Guidance

Drug abuse is an increasingly common problem that must be faced by the school and community. Since counselors have a great deal of responsibility in working with students who abuse drugs, more effective ways of handling this problem need to be considered by them. The first part of this paper is concerned with a plan for working with the secondary school student who has been "busted." The six roles and functions of counselors organized by Dr. Harold Richardson have been redefined specifically for counselors with the above problem. Practical suggestions are included with each role discussion. The second part of this paper presents a new approach to dealing with drug abuse. A written contract, signed by student and parents would set up a "Plan for Therapy" for both student and parent. Specific methods for carrying out the contract are included, as well as alternatives if the contract is broken. This plan has the salutory effect of combining joint responsibility of parents, community, school, and student in a positive approach with more realistic therapeutic results than present plans. (SJ)