Substance Use Prevention & Intervention

Student Assistance Programs provide early alcohol and other drug prevention and intervention services to students and their families, assist in referrals to treatment providers, and strengthens the transition back to school for students who have had problems with alcohol and other drug abuse. School-based assistance aligns with state Substance Abuse Awareness Program law RCW 28A.170; some school districts manage their own programs. Student Assistance Prevention-Intervention Services Program is accessed through educational service districts (ESDs).

• Student Assistance Program Overview 2023
• Student Assistance Program Video
• Student Assistance: A Guide for School Administrators
• Student Assistance Program - School Materials

Student Violation Policies

Each district will have its own policy addressing substance use on school grounds and related sanctions for students found in violation. Please see your school's Student Handbook or inquire at your district office.

• Student Discipline Policies: Substance Use and Possession
• Prohibition on Use of Tobacco Products on School Property
• School Locker Searches: Findings
• School Locker Searches: No Expectation of Privacy
• School Locker Searches: Notice and Reasonable Suspicion Requirements
• Dedicated Marijuana Account Funding: Second Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2136
• Know your Rights: A Guide for Public School Students in Washington
  (See Chapter 8: School Searches and Police in Schools, Pages 34-44)

Prevention & Intervention Best Practices

Many of the most common strategies being used by well-meaning parents, schools, and communities have been shown by careful research to be ineffective. Review best practices and resources for substance use prevention and intervention!

SAPISP Coordinators

Find a list of Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Service Program Coordinators (SAPISP).