Blog Archives

alcohol awareness month

4/15/2021

Alcohol Use Awareness In Teens

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol is the most commonly used substance by teens, and it’s important to talk about this issue to destigmatize addiction and start a conversation. Whether you are a teen or a parent, alcohol is all around us, and misusing this substance is often seen as normal.

Signs that a teen is using alcohol include:

Sudden changes at school like an unexplained dip in grades or sudden disciplinary issues
Unexplained mood changes
Unusual attention or memory problems
Out of the norm fatigue
Not keeping up with hygiene
Withdrawal from friends and family

Having conversations about alcohol use is a way to combat substance use among teenagers. These conversations shouldn’t come from a place of fear or judgement, but from a place of respect, trust, and care. Discussions around peer pressure, drinking and driving, and how to seek help for addiction are all important. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, know that it is not your fault. Addiction is a disease and not a choice. Here are some resources for teenagers struggling with addiction:

Westlake Support Counseling: WHS offers free support counseling services during the school day. Contact kbryant@eanesisd.net or alemasters@eanesisd.net for more information!
Al-anon/alateen: https://al-anon.org/
Teen and family services: https://www.teenandfamilyservices.org/
Sage recovery and wellness center: https://www.sagerecoveryaustin.com/
Sober Austin: https://soberaustin.com/recovery/12-step-meetings-austin-tx/
Dual Recovery Anonymous: http://www.draonline.org/meetings.html
Crisis Call Center: Call 800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863

Stay healthy, chaps!
-Katie and Annie

Sources:

https://www.alcohol.org/teens/
https://pipnj.org/aam2021/

Student appreciation week

4/8/2021

Happy student appreciation week! This year has been strange and difficult, and we are so proud of our students for persevering through it all. With only a little over a month left in the school year, it’s time to reflect on all the skills our students have learned this year.

Adaptation: In-person and virtual students have adapted to new environments and norms. From mask wearing to Zoom learning, everyone has done their part to keep themselves and others safe!
Connection: Students have gotten creative and learned how to stay connected during these trying times. Extracurricular activities and clubs might not look the same, but students have still found ways to connect!
Resilience: This had been a difficult year for all of us including students. Our students have been resilient and excelled in their schoolwork, social lives, and other responsibilities despite facing constant challenges.
Responsibility: Students have taken on the responsibility of protecting themselves and others from getting sick. Our students have taken mask wearing and social distancing seriously to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Self-care: Students have engaged in self-care to stay strong during the pandemic. Some students have used resources like support counseling and attended the therapeutic art group. Others have stayed engaged in clubs and hobbies outside of school.

Students: Reward yourselves this week! Take some time to reflect on everything you’ve done this year. Be sure to rest, drink water, and do something you love!
We are so proud of our students and everything they have accomplished this year! Stay healthy, chaps!

alcohol awareness month

Student appreciation week

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