Asking For Help Will Not Get You Into Trouble: Resources for Substance Abuse at the High School

Watauga Student Services personnel are here for a variety of services. Photo Creds: Watauga Student Services. 

Ella Jennings, Community Desk Lead 

Substance abuse can have major effects on students, including their health and education, making it crucial to have adequate resources available. The Watauga Student Services Team, Prevention Specialist Mrs. Walker, and Student Body President Hatherley Armfield are implementing new programs to help equip students with the resources necessary to combat substance abuse. 

At the middle school level, students are educated about drugs and alcohol with hopes that they will make informed decisions on the consumption of various substances. At the high school, there are resources available to help students combat addictions. Faculty and staff work closely with health organizations to ensure they have available resources for students. 

“Our goal with the initiatives being introduced in the high school right now is to educate students on the resources available to them and the signs of addiction,” said Hatherley Armfield, senior and Student Body President. “A common misconception amongst students is that if they come forward about their addictions, they will get in trouble, but that is far from the truth.”

Counselors receive mental health training and are equipped to handle a variety of situations including conflict resolution, counseling, and crisis intervention. 

“We are working on pushing out various resources, from ones done through our school counselor and nurses to some that can be anonymously completed online,” said Armfield. 

Through anonymity, students are able to get help from the comfort of their own home. Watauga High School staff provided this for students to feel comfortable to get the help they need, without the fear of being placed in a vulnerable situation.

“I think these resources will help foster an environment in which students feel safer getting help,” said Armfield. “It's easy to feel ashamed, but these resources will minimize that and make our school a healthier place.”

If you need help, text DITCHVAPE to 887-09, text QUIT to 478-48, call 1-800 QUIT NOW, or visit Teen.SmokeFree.gov for resources to guide you.

“I hope these initiatives spark conversations amongst students about the resources that they didn't know were available to them, or maybe they simply forgot were available. Addiction is part of our society and something that should be talked about,” said Armfield. 

If you’re experiencing nicotine withdrawals, counselors recommend physical activities, finding distractions, building your support system, searching for alternate stress coping mechanisms, and celebrating your accomplishments.

Counselors share that if you experience difficulty concentrating, feel annoyed or nervous in situations where you’re unable to vape, or have tried quitting but it was too challenging, you may be addicted and should consider reaching out to a counselor or seeking help online.