Many schools report a phenomenon of teachers' untreated symptomatic responses to crises that is strikingly similar to the progression of professional codependency that occurs when school staff members deal with students who actively abuse alcohol and other drugs. The four stages a teacher experiences are (1) denial; (2) trial and error attempts to control the student's behavior; (3) recognition of the denial, coupled with intense anger and frustration; and (4) a decision to make fewer demands on the student. However, effective interventions are possible that mitigate the results of cumulative violence and trauma. The district must acknowledge the problem and establish a crisis response team. Schools should also establish a comprehensive violence prevention program to reduce the probability of violence, deal with crises, and reduce the emotional impact of a crisis. Appropriate planning, practice, and team assignments can produce effective crisis responses.