A recent recount of their adolescent anti-drug education in school amongst some of my friends solidified what I already knew about this compulsory program: it didn't work and no one really remembered anything besides the "just say no" mantra.

As for me, I wasn't exposed to D.A.R.E. (although I did wear the t-shirt in college as an ironic gesture), but did go through the G.R.E.A.T. program -- Gang Resistance Education And Training. I suppose the differences were in name only, but the G.R.E.A.T. shirt wasn't as cool because no one knew what the program was.

The only thing I remember from the program was how to shoot up heroin. That's it. I very much doubt the officer even educated us about sharing needles or the transmission of blood-borne diseases associated with intravenous drug use. He simply brought in a big board with labeled bags filled with drugs stapled to it and gave us a step-by-step counsel on how to use heroin. This was in 6^th grade, and there was no follow-up throughout the years of my education -- with the exception of my "extra-curricular" activities as well as the honest education given to me by my parents (the extra-curricular activities and my parents' drug talks were mutually exclusive).

Now that I've shared my anecdote, I want to hear your memories of your school's anti-drug programs. What lessons stayed with you? What was counter-productive? What would have made the experience more useful? At what age should drug education be implemented? And any other tidbits you find useful.

Posted by Evan G @ 9:50 AM