Drugs and Alcohol Resistance Education Program (D.A.R.E.)

D.A.R.E. is an innovative project designed to build a strong, drug free youth. This project uses a curriculum designed to help young people resist the pressures of substance abuse and violence while developing strong decision making skills. The program focuses on accurate information about substance abuse with the major focal points being marijuana, tobacco and alcohol. The lessons deal with the consequences of abuse, building self-esteem, providing ways to resist and identify peer pressure, and alternatives to drug use.

The curriculum is taught by highly trained uniform law enforcement officers who are assigned to a classroom and have immediate credibility with the students. The D.A.R.E. Program addresses drug/alcohol use and violence on a proactive approach rather than a reactive one.

Curriculum Content:

• Purposes of D.A.R.E. Program
• Tobacco and You
• Smoke Screen
• Alcohol and You
• The Real Truth
• Friendship Foundations
• Putting It Together
• Personal Action
• Practice, Practice, Practice
• Course Overview
• D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremony

D.A.R.E. was initially implemented in the Fayette County Public Schools in Lexington in 1986. The pilot program proved so successful that D.A.R.E. was adopted as a part of the elementary curriculum in the Spring of 1987. If you would like more information on the D.A.R.E. program, please contact the Bureau of Community Services at 258-3636.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Establish family rules that make the use of drugs non-negotiable.
• Educate yourself about drugs, so you can talk informatively with your children and answer their questions.
• Since peer pressure is a major factor in teen drug use, know your children's friends.
• Talk with other parents. Try to establish uniform rules that make access to drugs harder for your children and their friends, such as a curfew, the amount of spending money they receive, and their use of a car.
• If problems arise, try to seek advice and counsel from someone both you and your child respect and can relate to.
• Learn to really listen to your child.
• Help your child develop strong values.
• Be a good role model or example in your use of alcohol.
• Help your preteen deal with peer pressure.
• Set firm rules about drinking and other drug use.
• Talk with other parents.
• Know what to do if you suspect a problem.
• Talk to your child about alcohol and other drugs.
• Help your child to feel good about himself or herself.

WAYS TO SAY NO

1. Saying "No Thanks
"
2. Giving a Reason or Excuse
3. Repeated Refusal, or Keep Saying No
4. Walking Away
5. Changing the Subject
6. Avoiding the Situation
7. Cold Shoulder
8. Strength in Numbers

D.A.R.E. and Darren(Lion) Logos are registered trademarks of D.A.R.E. America.