Implementing Strategies in the Real World
Bruce Dyer is Westbrook High School’s substance abuse counselor. He runs the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program and is also active in the faith community. He gets kids. He gets parents. And he’s a lynchpin member of Westbrook Partners For Prevention, helping to facilitate parent meet-ups, connecting schools, partner organizations, and youth programs.
Parent meet-ups are at the forefront of best practices for substance use prevention in teens and, Dyer believes, can have a long term impact on how young people relate to alcohol and drugs. “These get-togethers lead to discussions and shared resources that make a difference,” he says. “They’re a great way for parents to find out what’s going on and talk to others. It’s immensely helpful for parents to learn they’re not alone in this, at the same time learning how to address these issues head-on.
“We have some very engaged high school parents and we would love to build on that group; we’d also love to start meet-up groups with middle school parents. So get in touch, and invite your neighbors! We can make a huge difference when we are intentional about doing what’s best for our kids.”
Dyer has also been instrumental in helping the Westbrook School District revise its substance use policy for middle and high school athletes of which he says, “It was a one-size-fits all policy before. Now it’s tailored to the needs of the individual, with a very strong educational component.” The new policy has as its centerpiece, the Student Intervention & Reintegration Program (SIRP), a 12-hour course that helps students understand the effects of substance use and commit to changes in their behavior.
“We know that school activities connect kids in a healthy way,” says Dyer. “Suspending them from school and sports for lengthy periods can have unintended negative consequences. Studies suggest that it’s better if kids continue to play and receive counseling and alternatives to traditional punishments, such as attending the SIRP course, performing community service, and/or restorative activities (resolving issues with those who have been impacted by their actions)].
“Ultimately, Westbrook will see the greatest change when every adult in the community reinforces the expectation that young people do not use alcohol and drugs. When adults are united in supporting this as the norm we can provide clear signals, rules, and expectations for our young people. That’s what Westbrook Partners For Prevention is working toward.”
