Substance Abuse

Law enforcement officials in Newport News believe the vast majority of criminal activity is linked to substance abuse. Youth violence is rising, impacted by substance abuse, child abuse and exposure to violence. Other criminal activity is also increasing, especially in areas of poverty, overcrowding and social problems.

Many educators believe that the most promising way to reduce the American people's demand for drugs is to begin drug education before people make their initial decision to try a drug. Since National surveys show that most drug users begin their use in the middle school and early high school years, many people feel that drug education should start in the primary grades. These early drug education programs include lessons in which children learn to identify safe and dangerous substances.

The Federal Office of Substance Abuse Prevention has determined that there are fourteen common factors that research has indicated put youth at a greater risk for the use of alcohol and other drugs. These include:

  • Friends who use alcohol or other drugs or who approve of use.
  • Experimentation with alcohol or another drug before age 15.
  • Aggressiveness, defiance and conduct problems in early elementary school.
  • Rebelliousness and lack of social values during middle school grades.
  • Difficulty within the family in enforcing rules and discipline.
  • Lots of unsupervised time.
  • Lack of praise, love and caring for the child.
  • Family members who abuse alcohol or use other drugs.
  • Facing a major transition or stress at school or at home.
  • Failure in school.
  • Lack of interest in school.
  • Living in a neighborhood or going to a school that does not take a firm, consistent stand against alcohol or other drug use by youth.
  • Living in a neighborhood or going to a school that does not have a strong sense of community.
  • Living in a neighborhood or going to a school where drug use is prevalent.

In contrast, research indicates there are four common factors that help protect a young person from getting involved with alcohol and other drugs. All substance abuse prevention efforts should be based on this information to better protect young people from alcohol and other drugs. These include:

  • The youth established a clear bond with family, school or community.
  • The family, school and community gave out strong, clear and consistent messages that the use of alcohol and other drugs by youth was not acceptable.
  • The youth developed the skills to resist negative peer pressure and make appropriate decisions about alcohol and other drug-use.
  • The young person chose friends who are alcohol and other drug-free.

Newport News Public Schools in conjunction with the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board offers the program known as Al’s Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices as an early childhood prevention curriculum to build the social and emotional skills of young children; the provision of leadership opportunities to provide older youth with opportunities for meaning involvement in decision making;  The Community Services Board has also initiated the Strengthening Families Program offered through the Board and the Newport News Office of Children, Youth and Families.  These are all recognized strategies both statewide and nationally for preventing substance abuse. 

The Community Services Board continues to help those in the community whose lives are affected by substance abuse or the co-occurring disorders of substance abuse and mental illness. The Board has developed specialized services for individuals who are encountering serious psychiatric problems along with their abuse or dependence on alcohol or drugs. The range of services include: diagnostic treatment, psychiatric evaluation, ambulatory detoxification services, individual, group or family counseling, gender specific treatment, medication education and management, coping, assertiveness and refusal skills training, case management and discharge planning, referral assistance for day and residential treatment and emergency housing and referrals to self-help and treatment readiness groups. 

The Board has established the First Step Treatment Readiness Program recognizing that recovery from a substance abuse disorder depends on a person’s ability to make positive changes in behavior and life skills.  Individuals who have not had successful treatment often have little motivation to change and are not ready to commit to a program of recovery. First Step is designed to assess the individual’s treatment readiness and assist the individual in developing a treatment plan that can work.

The Board in conjunction with Newport News Circuit and General District Courts, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Sheriff’s Office has established the Newport News Drug Court Program.  Its mission is to utilize the coercive power of the court in conjunction with a multi-disciplinary team of specially trained staff to effectively treat and hold accountable non-violent substance abusers.  The program is intended to significantly effect lifestyle changes that will foster productive lives and reduce recidivism.  The ultimate goal is to reduce drug use and drug-related crime in the community.