Charlotte County Public Schools

Substance use among youth can lead to problems at school and cause or aggravate physical and mental health related issues. It promotes poor peer relations and places stress on the family. It can develop into a lifelong issue of substance dependence, chronic health problems and have social and financial consequences.

Substance use is the harmful pattern of using substances such as tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs and prescription drugs that can lead to impairment or distress with one or more of the following behaviors:

• Recurrent substance use resulting in failure to fulfill major responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Recurrent substance use in situations where it is physically dangerous
• Recurrent substance-related legal problems
• Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurring social or personal problems caused or worsened by substance use

Substance use, abuse, and dependence can negatively impact every aspect of an individual’s life. Prevention, early intervention, and treatment can provide the support and tools needed to choose the right path.

For additional information, please refer to the Medication Misuse and/or Substance Use section in the CCPS Code of Student Conduct link below: