Pubdate: Thu, 12 Apr 2007
Source: Northwest Missourian, The (Northwest U, MO)
Copyright: 2007 The Northwest Missourian
Contact:  http://www.nwmissourinews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2793
Author: Tara Adkins
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

DRUG-FREE PLEDGES DWINDLE OVER TIME

Students walk off the stage with certificates in hands, red and black 
T-shirts on their backs and a lifetime pledge to be drug-free.

Horace Mann, St. Gregory Barbarigo and Maryville Middle School sixth 
graders will graduate from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education 
program April 12.

However, research shows the program does not leave a long-lasting 
effect on students.

"Our students walk out the doors with the message and what they do 
from there, I don't know," said Joe Suchan, Horace Mann fourth grade 
teacher, said. "Many end up buckling under peer pressure."

The D.A.R.E. program, founded in 1983, strives to educate students, 
kindergarten through eighth grade. The program teaches about how to 
resist peer pressure and live drug-free lives through lessons plans 
taught by trained officers.

Students meet once a week for 10 weeks to participate in activities 
focused on self-confidence and making positive life choices.

To graduate from D.A.R.E., students must write an essay on what they 
learned and develop a pledge for staying drug-free. But for many, 
that pledge fades over time.

"What it boils down to is that we arm them with the information, but 
they have to make the decisions themselves and some hold on and 
others don't," said Sgt. Jeff VonBehren, D.A.R.E. officer,

Studies show no significant difference between D.A.R.E. intervention 
and comparison schools that do not use the program in tobacco, 
alcohol or marijuana use after completion of the program, according 
to Pubmed.gov, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the 
National Institute of Health.

During a 10-year follow-up study, researchers at the University of 
Kentucky found by the age of 20, experimentation with drugs reaches 
its peak. Students who participated in D.A.R.E. showed no difference 
in drug use than those who did not participate by the age of 20, 
according to the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

Although D.A.R.E. has limited effects on drug use, it is efficient in 
developing social skills, self-esteem and attitudes, but effects 
decay within just a few years after completion of the program.

"Obviously high school is when big peer pressure comes in because of 
growth, rebellion and the need to be independent," said Linda Heeler, 
Horace Mann sixth grade teacher. "We need to intensify what happens 
to kids at these levels."

Despite the ineffectiveness of the program, D.A.R.E. remains popular 
in 80 percent of schools throughout the country.

"I think it's very effective. Both my children have been involved in 
it and when we sit down at home and talk, they know drugs are bad and 
their information has to be coming from somewhere," said Marshall 
Shell, parent of a DARE participant.

One reason for its popularity is the positive perception of teaching 
children about drug use. Whether through a program or through 
everyday conversation, raising awareness about the effects of alcohol 
and drug abuse educates children.

"I'd rather see it (D.A.R.E.) continued than not continued," Suchan 
said. "Education is the key to making good choices."

A second reason for D.A.R.E.'s popularity is how supporters compare 
and generalize participants to children who do not participate.

By doing so, many perceive most children who go through D.A.R.E. 
remain drug free, but the majority of students, whether in the 
program or not, do not engage in any drug use at all, according to 
National Institute on Drug Abuse.

"Although there have been negative comments of kids that don't go out 
and stay drug free, there still needs to be a drug education program 
and although it's not 100 percent effective, D.A.R.E. is successful 
in our community," Heeler said.

As sixth graders across the country graduate from D.A.R.E., some may 
easily forget their drug-free pledge, but some will strive to keep it 
during the peer pressure years ahead of them.

"I will try and help my friends in need and I will say no to any 
possible questions about drugs," said Megan Shell, sixth grader at 
Horace Mann and participant of D.A.R.E.
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