Under NJ statutes N.J.S.A.18A:40A-18 and N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-14.2, all NJ School Districts must have a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC). The Student Assistance Counselor is bound to 42 CFR Part 2, a federal privacy regulation on confidentiality. 

• Individual student support and counseling
• Group counseling based on need
• Coordination with school staff
• Referrals to community resources if needed
• Classroom lesson on current drug trends/ mental health

• Student Assistance Counselor
• District Mental Health Clinician 
• School Counselors

Any student who may benefit from additional support.

Referrals can come from:

• Parents
• Students (self-referral)
• Teachers
• Counselors
• Other school staff

• Excessive worry that feels hard to control
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches' without medical cause
• Avoiding school, activities, or social situations
• Irritability and/or restlessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes 
• Repeated requests for reassurance

• Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
• Changes in appetite or energy level
• Withdrawal from friends and/or family
• Drop in academic performance
• Expressions of worthlessness or excessive guilt

• Talking or writing about feelings of hopelessness, trapped, or being a burden
• Statements such as "I wish I wasn't here" or "nothing matters"
• Giving away important belongings
• Sudden (uncharacteristic) calmness after a period of distress
• Searching online about death or ways to harm oneself 
• Increased isolation

If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call 911.

For immediate support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988).

• Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or short temper, especially when unable to use nicotine 
• Increased secrecy around belongings or time alone
• Lying or minimizing when confronted
• Spending money without explanation
• Frequent trips to the bathroom or outside
• Frequent thirst, headaches, or nausea
• Difficulty concentrating or restlessness
• Changes in sleep patterns 
• New peer group separate from longtime friends
• Avoiding situations where nicotine is restricted

Physical Signs: 

Vaping

• Sweet, minty, or fruity smell on clothing or in bedrooms
• Increased coughing, sore throat, throat clearing, or shortness of breath
• Oily spots or residue on clothing
• More frequent nosebleeds
• USB-like devices, pods, chargers, or cartridges

Pouches

• Frequent placement of fingers inside the mouth or under the lip 
• Spitting more often 
• White residue, gum irritation, or sores inside the mouth
• Jaw discomfort or gum sensitivity
• Small round containers with unfamiliar brand names full of small white pouches

Nicotine pouches are often discreet and odorless, which can make it harder to detect.

Emotional Changes

• Increased irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts
• Mood swings that seem more intense and unpredictable
• Low motivation, apathy, or "checked out" behavior
• Heightened anxiety, especially in social or school situations
• Sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness
• Statements reflecting low self-worth or feeling out of control 
• Using alcohol as a way to cope with stress, disappointment, or social pressure

Social Changes

• Shifts in peer groups or distancing from longtime friends 
• Increased secrecy about friends, plans, or activities
• Withdrawal from family time or previously enjoyed activities 
• Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, or clubs
• Spending more time alone or isolating behind closed doors
• Increased conflict with parents, siblings, or trusted adults

Communication and Behavior Changes

• Defensiveness or dishonesty when asked about whereabouts 
• Minimizing or joking about drinking 
• Increased rule-breaking or testing limits
• Poor decision-making or impulsivity 
• Difficulty handling feedback or consequences
• Frequent excuses for behavior or school concerns

Physical Signs of Intoxication

• Bloodshot eyes 
• Smell of alcohol
• Flushed face
• Slurred or slow speech
• Unsteady walking or uncharacteristic clumsiness
• Appearing unusually tired or "out of it"
• Nausea
• Uncharacteristic daytime napping or fatigue
• Sudden weight changes
• Hangover like symptoms (after suspicion of being intoxicated)

Seek urgent medical care by calling 911 if a teen shows the following alcohol poisoning symptoms (a serious life threatening condition) : 

• Vomiting repeatedly
• Confusion or inability to stay awake
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Pale or bluish skin
• Unresponsiveness

Emotional Changes

• Increased irritability, frustration, or mood swings
• Emotional flatness, lack of enthusiasm. or seeming "checked out"
• Increased anxiety, paranoia, or heightened sensitivity 
• Low motivation or apathy ("i dont care" attitude)
• Difficulty managing stress or disappointment without becoming overwhelmed 
• Using cannabis to cope with emotions (boredom, stress, sadness) 

Social Changes

• Withdrawal from family activities or conversations
• Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, or clubs
• Spending significantly more time alone or isolated in their room 
• changes in friend groups or distancing from longtime peers
• Prioritizing time with peers (where substance use may be present)
• Reduced engagement in responsibilities or commitments

Communication and Behavior Changes: 

• Dismissive responses ("I'm fine", "whatever")
• Increased defensiveness when asked about mood, school, or plans
• Avoiding conversations or shutting down emotionally
• Forgetting conversations or details that were recently discussed
• Difficulty expressing thoughts clearly or staying on topic
• increased secrecy around phone use, messages, or whereabouts
• Decline in school performance or motivation
• Increased procrastination or difficulty completing tasks
• Increased risky behavior such as rule-breaking or testing limits
• Lying or minimizing behaviors when confronted 

Emotional Changes

• Emotional flatness or numbness
• Sudden mood swings (irritability, sadness, anxiety)
• Increased depression or hopelessness
• Reduced emotional responsivity (apathy)
• Difficulty coping with everyday frustrations
• Loss of motivation or interest in goals

Social Changes

• Withdrawal from family, friends, or usual activities
• Isolation and spending excessive time alone
• Abrupt changes in peer groups
• Avoiding trusted adults
• Increased secrecy about whereabouts 
• Decreased or lack of engagement in hobbies, sports or activities previously enjoyed.

Behavior and Communication Changes

• Vague, evasive, or inconsistent explanations
• Increased defensiveness
• Forgetting conversations
• Difficulty staying focused during conversations
• Slower responses or appearing disengaged 
• Minimizing others concerns
• Reduced emotional expression when communicating 
• Decline in school performance/ attendance
• Increased risk-taking behaviors
• Changes in daily routine (sleeping, eating, hygiene)
• Loss of interest in personal appearance 
• Statements reflecting feeling overwhelmed, trapped, or disconnected