Addressing Substance Use and Misuse by RETSD Students

When students are struggling, it follows that their learning may be impacted.

“We’re always looking at what gets in the way of learning,” said Kristine Kasdorf, a Safe Schools consultant in RETSD. “The idea behind our work is to determine how we can best support the whole student.”

November 16-22 is Addictions Awareness Week. In an ideal world, no one would struggle with substance use, especially our youth. But the hard reality is that some students do turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with whatever issues plague them, and this compounds their problems. That’s why RETSD has proactively put substance use programming and services in place to provide support without judgement.

“RETSD is the only metro school division with specialized substance use supports,” said Elizabeth Bergen, the second Safe Schools consultant. “We partner with Shared Health to provide support for students struggling with substance use, misuse, and substance use disorders.”

Students have access to school counsellors, but also three Shared Health substance use counsellors who work full-time in RETSD schools. Students can come forward voluntarily to ask for support, but teachers and administrators may also intervene by facilitating a meeting between students and one of the substance use counsellors if they suspect or know a student is struggling with substance use. This way, the substance abuse counsellor can provide appropriate support and help to ensure the student is safe.

“If a student comes to school under the influence or in possession of drugs or alcohol, our focus is on prevention and education,” said Elizabeth. “It’s better for students when our response is supportive and not punitive.”

If a student has significant struggles, RETSD may provide access to an alternative classroom where a substance use counsellor provides on-site support once per week. This alternate setting is a temporary, safe learning environment with low enrolment and appropriate supports so students can focus on learning.

The division also regularly offers an information session for parents and guardians called “Parenting for Prevention.” It was last offered earlier this year with another session planned for spring 2026. 

RETSD will also be piloting a Canadian, evidence-based prevention program soon that uses personality-focused workshops to promote mental wellbeing and delay substance use in students. The goal of the PreVenture Program is to teach students cognitive behavioural skills to help them cope with challenges like academic stress, peer pressure, interpersonal conflict, and identity development before they turn to substances or other methods of coping that are harmful rather than helpful. 

In keeping with safety being an ongoing priority in our schools, all of the senior years schools have added Naloxone Nasal Spray kits to their first-aid kits. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Staff are trained in how to administer it and students have been given information about opioid risks and signs of overdose.

“Educational and health research continually highlights schools as some of the best places for universal mental health promotion – including prevention and intervention support for substance use. In RETSD, we believe in the potential of all students. We know that by meeting students where they are at – and providing the support they need – that we can help them strive for Mino-pimatisiwin/ The Good Life,” said Jón Olafson, Assistant Superintendent – Student Services.