Middle & High School

Grades 6-12
by Michele Lloyd

It is stupid to think that every student will stay drug free. We know that many of teens will experiment with some kinds of drugs, but before you pick up that drug of choice you need to know what it is really doing to the body. This program plans to show and explain exactly how drugs affect the body for short and long-term periods. It is important that they understand exactly what they are doing to the brain. This program will explain to students how the brain works normally and then when on drugs. It will also include personal testimonies from real drug addicts who would like to help stop others from starting drugs. Teens need to be scared to pick up a drug, and not feel confident that addiction will not happen to them. This program plans to not sugarcoat being addicted and starting drugs. It needs to be real for teens to understand what they are dealing with.

Along with this lesson, we plan on taking advantage of having our guidance counselors at school. There is usually one in the school to specifically talk about addiction and abuse. There needs to be more of these in the school, and each student must see them once a week to discuss issues and stresses that are in their everyday life. Sometimes students do not reach out or help when needed. If you can catch the reason why one feels like they should start taking a drug, then it may eliminate more teens from taking drugs.

Along with a weekly talk, there should be more afterschool activities. There should be an intramural program for students who are not interested in being on a team sport, but likes athletics. There should also be afterschool clubs for art, poetry, and music (other than band, theater, and chorus). Keeping more students involved and busy will eliminate time that they have to take drugs. Doing these things should help teens from starting an addiction.

Teachers should encourage parents to play an active role in drug prevention. Let parents know about drug take back programs to get prescription drugs out of homes in your district.