Combating High School Drug Usage with D.A.R.E Program

High school drug usage has significantly impacted the younger generation throughout history. By analyzing the current drug trends among high school students and their lasting effects on their well-being, astonishing statistics reveal the prevalence of alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine usage in today's youth. With a focus on mental health classes, early education, and organizations like D.A.R.E., we can effectively combat and reduce drug usage.

Raising Awareness of Social Issues Beyond Academic Studies

The prevalence of drug usage among high school students is a prevalent issue today, often overlooked as a minor concern. Many dismiss it as typical teenage behavior with no lasting consequences. However, our research has shown the complete opposite. Repeated drug experimentation causes the body to develop tolerance, leading to increased intake over time and potentially resulting in addiction, physical development problems, and mental health issues (DrugRehab.com). According to a study by DrugRehab.com, nearly 60% of high school students have tried alcohol, and approximately 50% have experimented with "hard" drugs (DrugRehab.com). Sadly, these individuals often fail to grasp the long-term repercussions of their actions, such as declining academic performance and disinterest in positive extracurricular activities. Continued drug and alcohol use can even lead to serious issues like truancy and dropping out of school altogether.

Moreover, there is a direct correlation between underage drinking and an increase in mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. Those who begin drinking before the age of 21 are 43% more likely to become alcoholics later in life (site). Additionally, drug abuse can cause physical developmental problems. For example, alcohol abuse in minors can stunt their expected height by up to 4.6 inches, while marijuana usage can have long-term negative effects on the developing brain, potentially leading to conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety (site). Nicotine, particularly in the form of vaping, has also become a popular choice among students in grades 9 to 12, presenting numerous health risks, including cancer (CDC).

Addressing the issue of youth drug usage requires education and awareness. One effective approach is the dissemination of informative pamphlets to educators, parents, and teenagers at schools and doctors' offices. These brochures would discuss the effects of drugs, offer guidance on how parents and educators can have meaningful conversations with children about drug use, emphasize the importance of engaging in extracurricular activities, and promote mental health-focused classes and workshops in the community. Schools should incorporate mental health and drug awareness presentations into their curriculum to ensure students are well-informed about the facts and statistics presented in these brochures. Furthermore, involving youth in extracurricular activities and programs like D.A.R.E. can foster a strong support system of caring adults and help steer them away from drug usage.

Addressing Inequality through Understanding

This project sheds light on the issue of inequality concerning drug usage among high schoolers. The problem begins with its lack of recognition and addressing in secondary schools. Frequently perceived as "kids being kids," drug usage in youth is underestimated, leading to serious addictions and problems in the future. Adolescents often feel pressured to take drugs to fit in and seek popularity in school, not fully comprehending the consequences. For instance, alcohol consumption standards differ between adolescents and adults (cite source). Adolescents often engage in binge drinking, which can result in long-lasting habits harmful to their health. By addressing these issues with younger generations and educating them about risky behaviors, we can reduce the inequality gap.

Regarding marijuana, inequality exists in how adolescents behave under its influence compared to adults. Youth are more likely to engage in riskier behavior, such as driving while high and unprotected sex, leading to potential accidents (CDC). Educating older generations about the dangers of nicotine and encouraging them to pass on this knowledge to children can reduce the pressure on younger generations to partake. By promoting awareness and education throughout their academic careers, we can curtail drug use and its associated issues of inequality.

Core Course Concepts, Theories, Methods, and Sociological Approaches

High school drug usage aligns directly with the core concept of alcohol and drug abuse discussed in class. The functionalist theory offers valuable insights, suggesting that every aspect of society is interconnected and contributes to its overall functioning. In this case, the discrepancy arises from the lack of education and alternatives provided to youth, leading them down a path of drug usage instead of a positive, healthy one. To address this social issue effectively, gradual social reform is necessary, involving communities working together to educate and guide young individuals toward a more productive lifestyle and away from drug use.

A Form of Social Action to Tackle the Social Problem

This project serves as a crucial form of social action by raising awareness about drug use among high school students and proposing possible solutions to combat it. The creation of informative brochures provides facts, statistics, and insights about drug use and its effects, facilitating meaningful conversations between adults and youth. Encouraging parents and children to engage in open discussions can significantly reduce the likelihood of drug use among teenagers (Teendrugrehab). By promoting the availability of mental health-focused classes and other educational initiatives, the project aims to combat the drug abuse epidemic effectively.

Connecting with Local Organizations Addressing the Same Problem

The project's brochures align well with the objectives of D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). This organization has been addressing drug resistance techniques since 1980, providing comprehensive drug prevention curricula for students from kindergarten to twelfth grade (dare.com). By promoting drug-free choices and fostering parent-child conversations, D.A.R.E. complements the project's goals. Implementing the program in schools and after-school organizations can enhance efforts to combat drug usage among youth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this project has shed light on the prevalent social issue of drug and alcohol usage among today's youth. The creation of readily available brochures empowers school workers, parents, guardians, and childcare employees with essential knowledge about drug use and its effects. By facilitating informed conversations and encouraging mental health-focused classes, we can guide youth toward healthier, drug-free lifestyles and combat drug abuse effectively.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Youth and Tobacco Use. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/youth_data/tobacco_use/index.htm
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm
3. Kendall, D. (2015). Sociology in Our Times. Cengage Learning.
4. Merton, R. K. (1957). "Social Theory and Social Structure." Free Press.
5. Jessor, R., & Jessor, S. L. (1977). "Problem Behavior and Psychosocial Development: A Longitudinal Study of Youth." Academic Press.
6. Wilson, J. Q., & Herrnstein, R. J. (1985). "Crime and Human Nature." Simon and Schuster.
7. Rossi, P. H., & Berk, R. A. (Eds.). (1997). "Just Schools: Pursuing Equality in Societies of Difference." Russell Sage Foundation.