Freedom from Chemical Dependency

A core element of Gunston's educational philosophy is a belief in the importance of developing healthy habits and maintaining a healthy body.  This includes assisting our students in making responsible choices in regard to drugs and alcohol, and we are committed to maintaining a substance-free educational environment.

To this end, last week our community was visited by Dr. James Lingo, a counselor from the organization Freedom from Chemical Dependency.  During his four days on campus, James provided our entire community with a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience.  His visit began with an opening address to the community where he shared his own struggles with alcohol, and over a four day time span, each grade level met with James for a full period each day.  There were also opportunities for students to speak with James through informal drop-in sessions, and he provided two workshops for the adults on campus: one for faculty, and one for parents.  Overall, it was an excellent program, and I wanted to provide some follow-up links and resources for our students and families:

1. Several years ago, I wrote an extended essay on the issue of substance use and abuse which I have updated with the most recent research: "Reflections on Substance Use and Abuse"
2. FCD's web resources for students: http://www.fcd.org/content/resources/students.asp
3. FCD's website for Parents/Guardians: http://www.fcd.org/content/resources/parents.asp
4. The University of Michigan completes a comprehensive annual study of adolescent substance use: www.monitoringthefuture.org

FCD's Mission is to:

• Provide educational communities with the guidance and training necessary to implement comprehensive, effective approaches to substance abuse prevention
   
• Educate students, parents, teachers and school administrators on the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs
   
• Promote awareness of alcoholism and other drug addictions as a progressive, chronic, and often fatal disease
   
• Teach children and adults how to recognize the early warning signs of substance abuse and to intervene appropriately
   
• Empower young people to make healthy, responsible choices regarding alcohol and other drug use
   
• Encourage and support the non-use of alcohol and other illegal or illicit drugs during the growing years.