Mental Health & Substance Use
What is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse happens when a person uses drugs or alcohol in a way that harms their health, well-being, or school life. For students, it can disrupt learning, relationships, and future goals. At Highline, we’re here to provide support, resources, and guidance for students and families to prevent substance abuse and build healthy choices that lead to lifelong success.
Students may turn to substances like tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana for different reasons — some are looking for fun, trying to fit in with friends, or wanting to escape painful memories or daily stress. Often, when students use these substances, other challenges like family struggles, relationship issues, or trouble at school may also be at play.
Substance use can sometimes lead to misuse, especially when students are dealing with behavioral health challenges like family conflict, relationship struggles, or academic difficulties.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol from a battery-powered device that simulates smoking. The aerosol contains nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals. Vaping devices can look like traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pens, or USB memory sticks. Other substances can also be vaped including marijuana and opioids.
Learn more about e-cigarettes and vaping from the Center for Disease Control.
How to recognize an e-cigarette or vape.
Substance Abuse Support
- Community Resources & Programs
- Fentanyl Resources
- Kaiser Grant
- SBIRT Program (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment)
- Tips for Talking to Your Teens About Nicotine
Community Resources & Programs
Fentanyl Resources
Kaiser Grant
SBIRT Program (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment)
Tips for Talking to Your Teens About Nicotine
Find More Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources
Student Rights and Responsibilities
The conduct described violates Highline Public Schools’ expectation of student behavior while at school, on a school bus, on a field trip, or at any school-related activity. Students may be disciplined for engaging in this conduct, up to and including suspension and expulsion. Students may also be disciplined, including suspension or expulsion, for engaging in prohibited conduct online, while using social media, or while away from school if the conduct disrupts the learning atmosphere, educational programs, or school activities, or infringes on the rights of others.