preview

Drug Prevention And Education : America 's Largest And Longest Running Programs Essay

Decent Essays
Open Document

When it comes to drug prevention and education, it must differ and be carefully designed depending on the age group and other contributing factors to drug use/abuse. One of the world’s largest and longest running programs has had a great impact on society, both nationally and globally. Even if someone has never attended a seminar or been taught a class in their school, a majority of people know or at least have heard of the D.A.R.E. program. This program has a humble beginning and a positive mission to prevent drug use and abuse as well as educate students on the dangers of drugs and other societal issues. The D.A.R.E. program was founded in 1983 by Los Angeles police chief Daryl Gates and the Los Angeles Unified School District, and it stands for “Drug Abuse Resistance Education.” As of today, it is a K-12 education program that teaches students about drug prevention, violence, gang membership, bullying, and internet safety in the United States as well as 52 other countries. As an international nonprofit organization, it is also one of the most prevalent drug abuse prevention programs in the United States and allegedly the world. Curriculum consists of elements such as resistance, self-esteem and skills training, and workbooks. All of the D.A.R.E. classes and curriculum are taught by trained police officers. According to the D.A.R.E. website, the program was created due to the “unparalleled drug abuse among our youth in the 1970s and early 1980s.” (dare.org) Los Angeles

Get Access