Introduction – Principles

·         The school does not condone the misuse of drugs by members of the school or the illegal supply of these substances

·         The school believes it has a duty to inform and educate young people on the consequences and risks of drug, alcohol and substance use and misuse.

·         The values and ethos of the school should enable pupils to develop control over their own lives so that they have the confidence to make decisions which will lead to a healthy lifestyle

·         The school accepts the importance of its pastoral role in the welfare of young people and will provide appropriate support for their differing needs.

Aims

·         To develop positive pro-active attitudes, values and skills in the pupils to equip them to make appropriate informed decisions about their personal patterns of behaviour and lifestyles

·         To provide, if necessary, accurate information about potentially harmful substances

·         As appropriate, to inform pupils and increase understanding about the implications and possible consequences of use and misuse

DRUGS – A DEFINITION

A drug is any substance the use of which alters the physiological functioning of the body. These fall into three main categories:

• Those that are legal to possess, supply or use
• Those that are ilegal to possess, supply or use – e.g. cannabis, Ecstasy, LSD, amphetamines, cocaine, heroin etc
• Those that are  legal to obtain as prescribed medicines but which have the potential to cause harm if misused or obtained illegally