Unique in its coverage of both prevention and intervention, this book provides evidence-based strategies and ready-to-use tools for addressing substance abuse in middle and high school settings. Readers learn ways to identify students at risk and implement programs that meet a broad continuum of needs-from psychoeducational and support groups to individual intervention and referral to community services. Also provided is up-to-date information on the nature of adolescent substance abuse problems, their prevalence, and how they develop. Clearly organized and accessible, the book is designed for optimal practical utility.

210 pages.

"Provides detailed information about why some students abuse substances and build theoretically from there to show how to develop skills that can protect students from developing substance abuse as a negative coping strategy. There are thoughtful, detailed, context-dependent explanations of substance abuse that actually consider the differences among students of varied sociocultural backgrounds, supplying different tools that can help with different problems....A particularly novel aspect of this book is its candor about the positive effects of drugs....By offering information about the types of effects that individual substances have, the authors enable teachers, counselors, and even parents to know what to expect and how to screen for substance use and problems. With the accompanying focused steps for intervention, the book will be welcome on the desk of every middle and high school counselor, psychologist, teacher, and administrator. It is commendable in its readability, allowing much-needed information to be accessible to parents and even students. It also makes for an excellent guide in preparing a middle-or high-school class on drugs and their effects....The suggestions provided in this book will bring us one step closer to understanding and preventing substance abuse in our schools....Rather than attempting to prevent use through fear-based examples, perhaps parents, educators, and counselors can read this short but compendious book and work together to instill in our children the knowledge to live a healthy and informed life."

-APA PsycCRITIQES

"This book is a wonderful combination of data and practical interventions for students struggling with substance abuse. It is informative, user friendly, and scientifically sound, giving school-based professionals a resource they can turn to for answers."

-Carol Anderson, MEd, Educational Specialist, Emotional Disturbance/Mental Health Issues, Utah State Office of Education

"Student substance abuse is an enormously important topic that has received massive media and government attention. But the fact remains that there are limited research-based approaches that offer practical solutions. Burrow-Sanchez and Hawken have written one of those rare books that are both scholarly and practical. This book is a roadmap to effective prevention and group and individual interventions. It is a 'must' for practicing clinicians, students in training, and substance abuse researchers."

-William R. Jenson, PhD, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Utah