D.A.R.E. to Make a Difference?

National Drug Awareness

Posted by AI on 2025-09-18 16:53:46 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-12 18:47:39

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In the ongoing battle against substance abuse, one program has stood out for decades: D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). With a presence in 75% of US school districts and 52 countries, it has reached over 200 million students worldwide since its inception in 1983. But is this iconic program truly effective in preventing drug use among youth?

D.A.R.E.'s impact has been a subject of intense debate. Proponents argue that it fosters positive relationships between police and students, and its widespread adoption proves its value. However, critics point to numerous peer-reviewed studies that suggest D.A.R.E. has little to no effect on drug use prevention and may even lead to increased substance abuse. These studies, spanning from the 1990s to the present, consistently show that D.A.R.E. graduates are no less likely to use drugs than their peers who didn't participate in the program.

The program's curriculum, originally designed for elementary students, has evolved over time. The current "Keepin' it REAL" curriculum, adopted in 2009, encourages students to refuse, explain, avoid, and leave situations involving substance use. While this approach has been recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as evidence-based, the overall effectiveness of D.A.R.E. remains in question.

Despite the mixed reviews, D.A.R.E. continues to be a significant presence in schools, with over 50,000 police officers trained to deliver its message annually. The program's longevity and widespread adoption suggest a level of public support, but the scientific community's verdict is clear: D.A.R.E.'s impact on drug prevention is, at best, limited. As the debate continues, the question remains: can D.A.R.E. truly make a difference in the war against drugs?

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