A Principal’s Playbook For School Drug PreventionA Principal’s Playbook For School Drug Prevention
Addiction Medicine Made Easy
Principal Leland Hansen discusses the challenges of school-based drug prevention, highlighting the impact of social media and the importance of early intervention.
39:27•1 Dec 2025
A Principal's Playbook: Tackling School Drug Prevention
Episode Overview
- Firm boundaries paired with health-first responses are key.
- Social media plays a significant role in substance distribution.
- Early intervention in middle schools is crucial.
- Balanced approach includes accountability and mental health services.
- Effective prevention requires parental involvement.
“"Vape pens contain antifreeze. I didn't know that, and I'm finding them all the time."”
Understand the complexities of addiction with insights from Principal Leland Hansen, who shares a real-world perspective on school-based drug prevention. With vape pens slipping into students' pockets and social media dealers changing handles faster than parents can keep up, the challenge is real. Hansen's playbook is all about firm boundaries paired with a health-first response, including an on-campus six-week programme. Dr.
Casey Grover sits down with Hansen to discuss everything from hidden vape pens in hoodies to Snapchat dealers and the delicate balance of accountability and support. They explore the impact of social media on substance distribution and the importance of early intervention in middle schools. Hansen reveals how difficult conversations with students and families are handled, advocating for a balanced approach that includes mental health services and drug abuse prevention programmes.
With a blend of anecdotes and practical advice, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to keep campuses safe. So, what's the secret to effective school drug prevention? Dive in and find out!

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