Nearly one in five high school students were reported using an illicit drug in the past year, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. As students at Laguna Beach High School return with new supplies and fresh motivation, some are also navigating the pressure of harder classes, social expectations, and personal goals.
For many teens, that stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Some turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to escape. But experts say substance use only creates more problems, it affects academics, relationships, and long-term well-being. Adolescent drug use has become so common that abstaining can sometimes draw judgment. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that many teens experiment with substances to relieve stress, anxiety, or loneliness. Yet those moments of escape often deepen emotional challenges rather than solve them.
“When students establish healthy habits, stress and temptation lose much of their power.” says the Laguna Beach High School Counseling Department. Educators and health professionals emphasize that managing stress begins with healthier coping methods. Physical exercise, for instance, is one of the most effective ways to reduce tension. Joining a sports team, taking a walk, or even dancing at home releases endorphins and serotonin, which are the brain’s natural mood stabilizers. Open communication also helps. Counselors encourage students to talk through their struggles instead of keeping them bottled up. At Laguna Beach High School, social worker Mrs. Humphrey maintains an open-door office for students who feel overwhelmed or need to decompress their feelings. The school’s peer support programs also offer spaces for conversation and guidance.
Creative outlets such as journaling, art, and music provide additional ways to channel emotions in positive directions. Building consistent routines like getting enough sleep and setting manageable goals can also strengthen focus and resilience. Faculty members at Laguna Beach High School continue to promote balance, awareness, and connection as the foundation for success. The school encourages students to start the year with healthy habits and positive choices.
