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Drug Prevention

Will the Government's Drug 'Take-Back' Do Anything to Reduce Misuse? (Opinion)

Seeking to address the fact that in 17 states prescription drug combination overdoses kill more people than traffic accidents, and that prescription drug related treatment admissions have recently increased 400%, the DEA will collect your unused medications, no questions asked. But will this straightforward strategy really address the rise in addictions and death? The data suggest that the issue is more complicated than you think.

Sending a Meth Message, Does It Work?

For the second year, graphic television ads showing actors portraying pathetic and physically damaged drug addicts remind people about the danger of methamphetamine -- but does the scary message work? "It does not prevent future use. They're not effective," Jeanne Y. Ohta, executive director of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, says of the frightening TV commercial prepared by the Hawaii Meth Project.

Ok Everyone, This Town Will be Drug Free Starting…Now

It looks like the party is almost over for the hippies of Salem, NJ. It's come to the attention of local law enforcement that some people have been doing drugs, so police are breaking out the heavy artillery:

SALEM -- In a tug-of-war for the future of the city's youth, police took a hard pull on Tuesday, setting up half a dozen road signs to let everyone know illicit substances are not welcome here.  [Salem County News]
 

Neighboring towns soon reported an influx of panic-stricken losers, as they fled Salem in droves to escape the coming purge. "This is bullshit," one hippie was overheard exclaiming. "I was on my way home from the park when I saw the sign. Figured I better leave now before all the drugs are totally gone."

Police are thrilled with the immediate results. "We debated for weeks over whether the right number of signs was 5 or 6," said Salem City Police Ptl. John Colon. "This outcome really vindicates everyone who argued for 6 signs. It may seem excessive, but I think the community will thank us next week when their children become completely invincible."

In case the signs don't completely eliminate Salem's drug problem, officials have drawn up blueprints for a giant metal box where they'll trap the drug users.

Press Release: Innovative Drug Prevention DVD, Just4Teens, Premiered at Oct 8th Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2008 Contact: Reena Szczepanski (505) 699-0798 or Jeanne Block (505) 983-3277 Innovative Drug Prevention DVD, Just4Teens, Now Available to Teachers, Counselors, and Prevention Specialists in New Mexico Community Comes Together to Address Methamphetamine and Other Drugs at Santa Fe DVD Premiere Event on October 8 Video, Facilitator’s Guide, and Upcoming Statewide Trainings to Focus on Effective Drug Prevention Strategies for New Mexico Santa Fe - Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico (DPANM) is proud to announce the release of Just4Teens: Let’s Talk about Meth and Other Drugs, an innovative drug education DVD that serves as a tool for teachers, counselors, prevention specialists, and parents to initiate an open, honest discussion with young people about drugs and drug use. The video will premiere October 8 at Warehouse 21 in Santa Fe. Doors open at 6 p.m. Following the video screening, a panel of DPANM staff, local youth, and adults working with young people will discuss drugs, drug prevention, and resources available in Santa Fe. “DPANM is offering educators and teens an innovative drug prevention resource with the Just4Teens video and Facilitator’s Guide,” said Reena Szczepanski, director of DPANM. “For over 25 years drug prevention has meant using scare tactics and ‘just say no’ messages. These strategies are failing our young people, and it is time for our community to embrace effective drug prevention.” The Just4Teens DVD includes a 15-minute video and a 14-page Facilitator’s Guide. The DVD and Guide can be used to supplement current prevention programs. Teachers and other adults can use this tool to start in-depth conversations about drugs and drug use in their after school program, classroom, or other youth group. In addition to providing the video for free to residents in New Mexico, DPANM will be conducting free train-the-trainer drug education workshops in 2008 and 2009 around the state. “Effective drug prevention is more than just showing a video,” said Jeanne Block, Methamphetamine Project coordinator with DPANM. “The trainings will provide people who work with youth the tools, resources, and strategies they need to make a difference in the lives of young people.” DPANM will be hosting Just4Teens video premiere events in communities around New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Alamogordo, and Farmington. The educational DVD was produced through the support of a U.S. Department of Justice grant championed by Sen. Jeff Bingaman.
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