Drugs and Alcohol - Dirty Little Secrets

[EricH]

Originally Posted by cadandcookies

Unless there is a clear and present danger (either legal or medical) to the team member or members involved, I'd avoid going to school or legal authorities.

Question: Asimov's Zeroth Law.

What I'm getting at is the following scenario, which may present a clear and present danger to the team.

Team member admits to team mentor that team member uses "controlled substances" recreationally. Appropriate governing law/policy (of any governing jurisdiction, including school) states that if said mentor knows and does not report, they are in big trouble (if caught later).

The big problem there, as a mentor, would be this: Reporting saves mentor's employment, involvement with team, possibly even the team--but betrays a trust. Failing to report preserves the trust... but at the risk of severely damaging the team, if not destroying it.


To be honest, this isn't an easy question. I speak from painful experience--let's just let it go at that.


Also, to be honest, if I was in that position, I would probably encourage the student to talk to someone who I'd be obliged to report it to--many times, facing the consequences is better than avoiding them, and in this case could save a life. (And, I'd also be looking for places that can provide help.)