Drug Use and the School Counselor: Study of Cases in a Canadian City

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of drug-related cases seen by school counselors in four types of schools during a four month period. The overall counselor-contact rate was 3.1 per 1000 students, with the highest rates in Separate Schools (Roman Catholic). Most referrals were self-made, with junior high school referrals more likely than senior high to come from “professional” sources. More than one drug was involved in the majority of cases seen, cannabis being most frequently mentioned. Differences in drugs involved by type of school were found. Although there were differences between school types in treatment approaches, those most often used were individual rather than group-oriented. Questions raised by the findings are discussed.