Custer School District-School-Based Substance Prevention and Early Intervention
STORY #1 – elementary level impact A group of junior high students did a presentation under the guidance of the Clinical Mental Health & Addictions Counselor on SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) for elementary students. One of the younger students (Bill) approached the team afterwards and shared that he really wanted to get involved in SADD when he got older. A few years later when Bill entered junior high, he immediately joined and became very active in SADD. Bill’s birth family struggled with addictions, so he chose to make it his mission to help other students in similar situations and to inspire others to break the cycle of addiction. Through the SADD program, Bill was able to earn the honor of being the first student in South Dakota to get elected to the National SADD Leadership Board, where he could continue to share his story and inspire others across the nation.
STORY #2 – high school level impact Jane, a high school sophomore, was a strong student and was known by staff as being well behaved, having many friends, making good decisions, and caring about her educational journey and future. One of her teachers noticed subtle changes in Jane’s personality and overall well-being as she started to appear withdrawn. The teacher sought help from the Clinical Mental Health & Addictions Counselor, who began to meet with Jane. They formed a trusting relationship and Jane disclosed that she was struggling with abusing pills, alcohol, and marijuana and didn’t feel like herself anymore. Jane shared that she had not felt safe confiding in another adult and didn’t want to disappoint her family. Through consistency, determination, education, and support, Jane was able to achieve and maintain sobriety. Jane drew a picture that she shared with the counselor to depict what life was like for her while she was actively using, and another when she was able to break free from the addiction. The pictures showed Jane literally killing herself, then breaking through the addiction. She stated that treatment with the school-based substance abuse counselor saved her life. She found a new hope for her future and could see life outside of substance use.