How effective are educational programs in curbing drug abuse in the United States?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Quality educational programs teach (a) what effects commonly used drugs produce, (b) how to recognize signs of abuse, (c) how to responsibly decide when and when not to use drugs, (d) how to help someone who overdoses, (e) how to help friends and relatives who are abusing drugs, (f) what treatment resources and programs are available in the community, (g) what to do if you think you may have a drug problem, (h) what to do if a relative or friend refuses to acknowledge his or her drug problem, and (i) how to help abusers learn drug-free ways of meeting their psychological needs.
Books, curriculum guides for teachers, and audiovisual materials available paint a more realistic picture of drug use and abuse. In the past five decades, the mass media and the schools have launched major campaigns to prevent drunk driving, alcohol abuse, smoking, and illegal drug use. Extensive drug abuse prevention programs are now under way in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges. They use a variety of approaches, including pointing out the risks of drug use, providing accurate information on drugs and their effects, offering instructions on how to assertively say "no" to peer pressure to use drugs, providing enjoyable drug-free activities, and enhancing students' self-esteem. With drug and alcohol abuse increasingly portrayed in the media and in the schools as risky and dangerous rather than glamorous and fashionable, overall drug and alcohol use appears to be declining for adults.

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