D.A.R.E.
DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION

The D.A.R.E. program was started by a group of Los Angeles police officers and schoolteachers that were concerned because kids were taking drugs. These drugs were destroying kids’ lives. The police officers and schoolteachers joined forces and launched D.A.R.E. to teach kids about the dangers of drugs and violence, and how to protect themselves from it.

D.A.R.E. was born in Los Angeles, California in 1983 and now is taught in all 50 states in the U.S., as well as in 53 countries. All in all, the D.A.R.E. program will reach 50 million children around the world this year alone.

The police wanted to steer kids away from dangerous drugs and help them make smart choices, like playing sports and starting hobbies instead of using drugs and hanging out on the streets.

D.A.R.E. was developed for presentation to fifth and sixth grade students. D.A.R.E. curriculum focuses on peer resistance training, self_concept improvement, and value judgments about respect for the law and personal safety.

Long term goals of the D.A.R.E. program include:
a reduction in the supply of controlled substances as a result of reduced demand;
more positive identification with police officers;
improved decision_making in all life situations; and
an overall reduction in criminality.

D.A.R.E. CURRICULUM

Each school (classroom) is visited once a week for 17 weeks by the assigned D.A.R.E. officer. Lessons last 45_60 minutes and involve students in a variety of exercises, both written and verbal. D.A.R.E. gives children skills to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Among with learning how to react when offered drugs, children learn about peer pressure, self_concept improvement, handling stress, value judgments and risks, as well as respect for the law, personal safety and the glamorization of drugs and alcohol in the media. At the conclusion of the semester, graduation ceremonies are held to honor students for their successful completion of the D.A.R.E. instruction.

D.A.R.E. CURRICULUM

INTRODUCTION

FILM

LESSON #1___Introducing D.A.R.E.

LESSON #2___Understanding the Effects of Mind_Altering Drugs.

LESSON #3___Considering Consequences.

LESSON #4___Changing Beliefs about Drug Use.

LESSON #5____Learning Resistance Techniques__8 Ways to Say No.

LESSON #6___Building Self_Esteem.

LESSON #7___Learning Assertiveness__ A Response Style.

LESSON #8___Managing Stress Without Taking Drugs.

LESSON #9___Reducing Violence.

LESSON #10___Combating Media Influences on Drug Use and Violence.

LESSON #11___Making Decisions About Risky Behaviors.

LESSON #12___Saying Yes to Positive Alternatives.

LESSON #13___Having Positive Role Models.

LESSON #14___Resisting Gang and Group Violence.

LESSON #15___Summarizing D.A.R.E. Lessons.

LESSON #16___Taking A Stand (Essay).

LESSON #17 __D.A.R.E. Graduation.

� RCMP/GRC 2002