Narconon Drug Education Program Outline
Scope, Purposes and Objectives
With approximately 14 million drug users in the United Sates, addiction treatment and law enforcement is not nearly enough to handle this major problem we face.
Effective drug education and prevention is the key to totally rid our society of the festering sore of drug abuse. The Narconon Drug Education Program is providing that service to complement the most successful treatment facilities in the world.
Program has reached 1.5 million people
Over the last two decades, the Narconon Drug Education Program has been able to reach over a million and a half students, teachers, police officers and professionals by providing vital information about drug abuse and the truth about what these harmful substances actually do to a person's mind and body.
Illicit drug use affects more than just the addict and his/her family. Many of our nation's problems can be traced to a high percentage of drug abuse. National statistics show that violence, theft, child abuse, prostitution, divorce, job performance and accidents are all heavily influenced by drug abuse. In all, this world would undoubtedly be a better place to live without the burden of "fighting the war on drugs."
In addition, the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University has recently released the results of a study on drug abuse in rural American communities. This study was funded by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the results were shocking. Per this study, 8th graders living in rural American communities are 34 % more likely than their urban counterparts to smoke marijuana, 83% more likely to use crack cocaine, and 104% more likely to use amphetamines within the last month.
Narconon Drug Education is a solution
It is clear that we must try to stop drug abuse before it starts. The need for effective drug abuse prevention has been established for many years. Families, school administrators, teachers and community leaders realize that most drug prevention and education methods have failed.
The Narconon Drug Education Program has demonstrated effectiveness as a solution to keeping kids off drugs. Outcome studies show that early drug prevention must give young children the truth, the vital information and tools they need to make their own choice to keep away from drugs. Our track record over the past two decades is impressive with key results reported in this proposal.
The Narconon Drug Education Program assists schools in meeting several criteria for U.S. Department of Education Title IV (Safe and Drug Free Schools) funds by continually monitoring trends in youth substance abuse, and keeping pace with changing community needs. Presentations are real, and reflect what kids are actually doing.
The program surveys every lecture class or audience to generate data on changes in perception of risk, program efficacy and for quality control. Schools are required to use strategies that provide evidence of prevention or reduction in drug abuse. The Narconon program consistently obtains these results.
Narconon Drug Education Program Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the Narconon Drug Prevention Program is to prevent young people from using drugs. The major objectives of the Narconon presentation program are:
- To convey the true information regarding drugs to young people, resulting in their lack of desire or interest in using them, and a comprehension of why drugs are not a solution to life's problems.
- To provide them with information regarding peer pressure, communication, how to set and achieve goals in life, and other subjects that they can apply to their lives and to provide them with alternatives to drug and alcohol use.
Methods
In delivering effective drug education, the Narconon Drug Education Program 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 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 abuse.
Key information on drugs is presented with humor and metaphors appropriate to age level. 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.Our study of student questionnaires has shown us in kids' own hand-writing the precise information that causes them to:
1. Decide to stop using drugs (for those who had already used them).
2. Change their mind from possibly trying or using drugs to a firm decision not to use them.
3. Believe more firmly in their decision not to use drugs (when they state they are already against them).
The Narconon Drug Education Program has also discovered 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 dangerousness of drugs, though the message is clearly a serious matter. With this light approach, kids see the dangers of drug use.
Program explores causes of drug abuse
In our school presentations we also explore the problems that often underlie drug abuse. A young person using drugs now has both a problem with drugs and an underlying problem that drove him to use drugs. With teenagers the causal factor can often be boredom or an inability to communicate with others. By intervening in the problem early, solutions can be worked out in other healthier ways so that resisting alcohol and other drugs becomes easier.
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, and the feeling of self-confidence, stability, production and true happiness through productivity and accomplishments which is permanent and real.
Program covers ALL the basics, and more
The Narconon presentations are divided into several subjects covering the basic information regarding alcohol and other drugs. They are geared to the appropriate age groups and focus on the real life situations that often lead to drug use. They are as follows:
The physical effects of drugs on the body
How drugs effect the mind
The truth about marijuana
The truth about ecstasy
The truth about methamphetamines
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
Antisocial characteristics: knowing your peers and environmental surroundings
Drug education program outcomes and evaluations
Following the presentations, each student is given a questionnaire to help us to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The surveys provide vital information that is used to enhance, update and increase the effectiveness of our presentations.
Our success in reaching students is measured by the question; "Did your thoughts about using drugs change after hearing our presentation?"
To date, we have received an overall 95% positive response to the program. 40% had not perceived drugs to be that dangerous, but now feel they will never try drugs. 45% said their decision not to use drugs had been reinforced after hearing the talk. Over 96% felt they learned a lot about drugs that they didn't know before.
Study shows heightened awareness and decisions not to use drugs or alcohol
An independent study of the Narconon Drug Education Program conducted by FASE (Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education) in Los Angeles concluded: "Changes in those who had indicated that they might use drugs were quite pronounced. Responses clearly indicated a heightened awareness of the adverse effects caused by drug abuse. Comments indicating that they would now never use drugs were common."
The surveys are also used periodically update the presentations to address new issues or situations that youth find themselves faced with. We are able to learn directly from kids what they need to know instead of adults deciding what information they need.
The majority of the funding comes from private foundations and organizations, in addition to corporate sponsorships from local businesses.
"After working with several thousand students and adults in various parts of the country, I am determined to continue the expansion of our drug education and prevention services to include all areas of the country in receiving the vital information we provide. Our staff is working diligently to grow and service more communities than ever on a continual basis in order to effectively reduce the overwhelming substance abuse problem we face everyday and secure a much safer, happier and more productive future for all of society."
To receive information about having a Narconon representative lecture at your school or event, please call our toll free number:
(800) 468-6933