The launch of the educational program D.A.R.E., or Drug Abuse Resistance Education, was the structured acknowledgement of a growing youth substance abuse problem in America. As the days of free love and experimentation faded into the background, the reality of drug abuse in the United States hit our communities head on, as the Woodstock generation found themselves confronted with health problems and continuing addictions. Recognizing the detrimental affects of the drug culture, the government decided to attempt to nip youth substance abuse in the bud by promoting education on the subject at a young age. Unfortunately, the problem continues today.
Youth substance abuse is far more pervasive than one may initially believe. The most commonly accessed drug for kids is alcohol, with most children dabbling in its use far before their 21st birthday. The second most commonly used drug for minors is tobacco. However, illicit drug you still a huge problem. Marijuana use remains a continuous problem for the youth of America, and so called club drugs, such as ecstasy, continue to gain in popularity. The newest trend in youth substance abuse is easily prescription drug abuse. Pills prescribed for pain relief are easily accessible in medicine cabinets, making them the high of choice for many kids today.
Youth substance abuse is a difficult problem to tackle. Most experts agree that prevention starts at home. Parents need to be honest and open with their kids on the subject of drug use and abuse. Some parents find this difficult, especially if they have had experiences with illegal drugs in the past. However, parental silence puts children in a precarious position. Youth substance abuse is only fueled when children have to turn to their peers for information on the subject, which often results in the transmission of partial or false facts. It is critical that parents sit their kids down to talk about the consequences of youth substance abuse. Parents should list different kinds of drugs, the negative affects the drugs have on the body, and the legal consequences that drug abuse carries.
However, our schools also present an excellent opportunity to educate our children about youth substance abuse. While programs such as D.A.R.E. have received mixed reviews, incorporating drug abuse information into basic health class opportunities ensures that children will consistently be informed about the risks associated with youth substance abuse. This kind of coursework is always tailored to be age appropriate, and the continuity of education from year to year ensures that the kids are getting the right information at the right time.