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Teenage Turbulence: Recognizing and Responding to Substance Use in Students
Substance use among teens can start quietly, missed practices, slipping grades, a shift in who they're spending time with. This professional development course equips educators to recognize those early warning signs and respond with confidence, covering risk factors, adolescent brain development, and practical, school-based support strategies. A real-world case study shows how one teacher's attention changed a student's path.
About this course
Teenage Turbulence: Recognizing and Responding to Substance Use in Students gives educators a working understanding of adolescent substance use, from the scope of the problem and the risk and protective factors behind it, to the signs that a student may be struggling and the screening approaches used to identify it. The course draws on current adolescent brain development research to explain why teens are especially vulnerable, then shifts to what educators can actually do with that knowledge: how to respond within the school setting, how to talk with a student about substance use in a way that builds trust rather than shuts down conversation, and how to work effectively alongside school counselors, social workers, and outside providers as part of a coordinated support team. A real-world case study ties the material together, walking through how a teacher's early concern for a student can set a full support pathway in motion. Educators will leave with practical tools for recognizing risk early and connecting students to the right resources.
What you will learn
At the completion of this professional development activity, participants will be able to:
- Define substance use disorder (SUD) in adolescents
- Explain the burden of adolescent SUD, including risk and protective factors
- Identify signs and symptoms of adolescent SUD and describe recommended screening tools
- Describe school-based and educator-level interventions for supporting a student with SUD
- Describe the educator's role on the interprofessional team supporting adolescent SUD
Course content
Course details
Accreditations
This course has been reviewed and approved through the rigorous standards of leading accrediting organizations, ensuring your continuing education credits are formally recognized and respected across professions and states.
Additional Information
- Automatic reporting to CE Broker for participating states
- Instant certificate generation upon course completion
- Credits accepted for license renewal
- Meets state requirements for continuing education
Course Faculty
Learn from leading experts who bring their real-world experience and evidence-based practices to this comprehensive training.
Mary Ellen Biggerstaff
Family nurse practitioner and educator with focus on adolescent health, substance use, and behavioral health integration.
Rhonna Nelson
Licensed social worker with expertise in adolescent behavioral health, substance use, and family therapy.
Disclosure
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest
All individuals in a position to control the content of this educational activity are required to disclose all financial relationships with relevant commercial entities that have occurred within the past 24 months. For purposes of this disclosure, relevant commercial entities include organizations whose products, services, or materials could reasonably be expected to influence the content, interpretation, or application of the educational material. All relevant financial relationships for individuals with control over the content of this activity are listed below and have been reviewed and mitigated in accordance with established policies to ensure independence and integrity of the education. Others involved in the planning of this activity have no relevant financial relationships.
Mary Ellen Biggerstaff has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. Rhonna Nelson has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
Disclaimer
Participants have an implied responsibility to use the information provided in this educational activity to support professional development and improve practice within their respective fields. The content presented is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a directive for decision-making in professional practice. Any procedures, products, techniques, or approaches discussed or suggested in this activity should not be implemented without appropriate professional judgment, consideration of individual circumstances, review of relevant product or guidance information, and comparison with applicable standards, regulations, or best practices.
Why learn from these experts?
Clinical Excellence
Our intuitive, user-friendly platform removes barriers, allowing you to focus on what matters most: advancing your skills and reaching your goals.
Real-World Experience
Combined 27+ years of direct patient care experience with diverse HIV populations in various healthcare settings.
Education Focus
Dedicated to training healthcare professionals and have developed evidence-based curricula for stigma reduction.
Patient Advocacy
Strong advocates for patient-centered care and have worked extensively with HIV advocacy organizations.
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Product Details
- 100% Online. Complete on your time
- Courses meet state, department, and board license requirements
- Instant Completion. Certificate sent to you directly
Satisfaction guaranteed or full refund
Requirements & Compliance
This course meets your continuing education requirements across multiple states and professions, ensuring you stay compliant with the latest regulations.
Requirements
This course is regularly updated to ensure compliance with current state and federal requirements.
Accreditations
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