Explorers can play an important role in drug awareness and prevention by informing the public about the perils of substance abuse. A prerequisite for Explorer involvement in this area would be a comprehensive training program covering the identification, use, misuse, and effects of drugs. Explorers should also be familiar with the dangers and effects of alcohol and tobacco abuse. A vital component of this training would be public speaking skills and methods of presenting substance abuse information to various types of audiences. Check the resource list for where to go for information.
Early Elementary School
(Kindergarten through fourth grade). Prevention programs for youth in this age category should be based on the concept that "only sick people need drugs." Students should be taught that while some drugs can be beneficial if medically prescribed and used, all drugs are dangerous if they are misused or not prescribed by a physician. Students should also be acquainted with the techniques used to lure young people into experimenting with drugs. Because students in this age bracket are more responsive to visual than audio stimulus, audiovisual aids should be an integral part of any such presentation.
Middle School
(Fifth through eighth grades). A factual approach should be used with junior high school students. Students should be told about the legal, physiological, and psychological consequences of substance abuse. The adverse results of alcohol and tobacco use should receive considerable attention at this level. The importance of positive decision making as it relates to the sometimes negative effect of peer pressure should be examined and discussed. Peer pressure can be used to support either type of decision. Role-playing scenarios would be helpful in reinforcing this information.
High School
(9th through 12th grades). There is some question as to how effective Explorers would be in making this presentation to high school students. Explorers may feel uncomfortable addressing this group because a majority of them are high school students themselves. Additionally, most states require that high school students receive substance abuse instruction during required health and personal hygiene classes. Rather than giving a presentation, a peer counseling program might be the best kind of project to design.
Adults
(School organizations, community service groups, etc). Presentations of this kind should be based on drug identification as well as the legal, physiological and psychological effects of substance abuse. A review of the statistical information relating to all facets of substance abuse should be included. Displays of the more commonly abused types of drugs should be available. Adults should be apprised of the signs that can help identify people who abuse and/or distribute drugs illegally. They should receive resource information about agencies that offer services to youth with substance abuse problems. The importance of adults as role models should also be discussed. Adults should be reminded to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency with any information regarding the illegal distribution of drugs.
Key elements in the success of this program are training and preparation. Explorers can be of vital assistance to our communities and fellow citizens in combating substance abuse.
How to Get Involved With School Programs
It is important to note that because your Explorers are trained, it does not necessarily follow that schools will welcome your offer of assistance. The advisor and principal and/or superintendent should meet and discuss how the post can support the goals of the school regarding drug abuse prevention. Many school systems encourage high school students to participate in community service programs by providing time out of school or offering high school credit.
