|
In the development of an effective
prevention program, Narconon first had to address where drug education efforts
have failed in the past. The basic method used formerly in drug education has
been the "scare tactic" approach. This was an attempt to scare youth away from
drugs. It never worked; and in many cases perpetuated drug use by presenting
information that was easily discredited.
In our drug education
presentations to schools, we have refined an approach that speaks powerfully to
kids in their own language. Our professionals, many of whom are former addicts,
speak from their own experiences with drugs and give a realistic picture of
drug use. We don't just tell kids to "say no"; we educate them to come to that
conclusion on their own, and more importantly, show them how to say no and what
exactly they are saying no to.
Our study of student
questionnaires has shown us in kids own writing the precise information that
causes kids to:
|
 |
- Decide to stop using drugs (for
those who already used them).
- Change their mind from possibly
trying or using drugs to a firm decision not to use them.
- Believe more firmly in their
decision not to use drugs (when they state they are already against
them).
The Narconon program also utilizes
the powerful role of humor in getting through to children. We discovered that
the more humor we injected into the presentations, the better the results. We
found a direct correlation between the level of humor and the children's
perceived dangerous- ness of drugs, though the message is clearly a serious
matter. With this light approach, kids see the dangers of drug use and really
"get it."
We also explore the problems that
often underlie drug use. With teenagers, the casual factor can often be boredom
or an inability to communicate with others. Therefore, other subjects such as
setting and achieving goals are covered as a method to avoid falling into the
trap of substance abuse. We clearly distinguish the feeling of "getting high"
from drug use--which is temporary and damaging--from the feeling of
self-confidence and true happiness through productivity and accomplishments -
which is permanent and real.
The Narconon
presentations are divided into several subjects. They are geared to the
appropriate age groups and focus on the real life situations that often lead to
drug use.
- The physical effects of drugs on
the body
- How drugs effect the mind
- The Truth About Marijuana
- The Truth About Ecstasy
- The Truth About
Methamphetamine
- Drugs and Alcohol; how the media
affects young people
- Tobacco, smoking and your health
- LSD-Today's most dangerous
drug
- Establishing and achieving goals
in life-how this eliminates the desire for drugs
- Peer pressure and resisting drug
use
- Addiction-how it starts and what
keeps a person addicted
- Controlling your environment -
Antisocial characteristics
- How emotions play a role in drug
use
|
Copyright © 2006 Narconon
Drug Education and Prevention, Inc.
All rights reserved.
NARCONON and the Narconon logo
are trademarks and service marks owned by
Association for Better Living and
Education International and are used with its
permission. |
|
