Pubdate: Thu, 05 Sep 2002 Source: River Valley News (CN NK) Copyright: 2002 River Valley News Contact: http://www.liquid.nb.ca/rvnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2383 Author: Lara B. Shaw - D.A.R.E. Winner at Inglewood School Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) TAKING A STAND I feel that the DARE program is a great idea! I think that it is a good thing that they put the program in the schools because it helps people realize how bad alcohol and drugs really are for you. The DARE program is very useful, because if any kids were taking drugs and getting in trouble they will learn how to stop using them. Through DARE, the students taking the program will learn how bad drugs are for their bodies and learn to know enough not to start using them again or take them at all. They will also learn that it wastes your money, and how it affects your friendships with others, your family and you. I have learned so much in DARE to keep me drug-free and violence-free. First, if you get involved in drugs and violence you are going to get in trouble, no matter what you do. If you hang around with the wrong crowd then you will be more likely to get involved in drugs and violence. Second, if you play sports, help others when they need it, do your best in school, and participate in activities in and out of school you will have a much better chance not to try drugsor alcohol. They can kill you, make you get addicted to them, and make you waste your money buying them from people who don't really care about you - they just want your money. I really never want to use them! I think it is very important to be drug free and avoid violence at all times. The reason for that is I have a lot better things to do with my life than hang around getting high on drugs, looking stupid standing around smoking cigarettes illegally, or getting drunk from alcohol and having a hangover or headache in the morning. Some people even snuff drugs, like cocaine, up their noses. I don't know why anybody would do something like that but if they really want to get sick and damage their nose then it's their choice. If it were up to me, I would get rid of all things like drugs that people can hurt themselves on. I think, for my sake, that I will just stay away from drugs and avoid violence. When I graduate from DARE, I will tell everyone how useful the program is and how important it is to stay drug free and away from violence. I will also tell everyone it will help you live a longer and happier life. If I find I can stop them from making the wrong decision I sure will try and help because I know how important it is to have a long happy life. This is what DARE means to me. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager