a. A significant number of young people are unfortunately already involved in the use of alcohol and other drugs;

b. Research indicates that particular groups of youngsters, such as the children of parents who have alcohol use disorder, may in fact face an increased risk of developing alcohol and other substance use problems and that early intervention services can be critical in their prevention, detection, and treatment; and,

c. School-based initiatives have proven particularly effective in identifying and assisting students at a high risk of developing alcohol and other drug disturbances and in reducing absenteeism, decreasing the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, and in lessening the problems associated with substance use disorders.

1987, c.387, s.1; amended 2023, c.177, s.40.