From the moment of birth we begin learning skills which enable us to survive in a complex world.  Unfortunately, today's child is subject to many stresses and is faced with many decisions long before coping skills and decision making skills have been developed. Lacking those skills, a child often makes unhealthy decisions under pressure from peers.

Teaching children the necessary skills to say "NO" to alcohol and drugs is the focus of project DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). The curriculum developed by educators is an elementary school drug prevention program taught by specially selected and trained police officers and sheriff's deputies.

Through Project DARE children are provided with the coping skills necessary for managing the personal pressures which lead to drug and alcohol experimentation.

Drugs And Alcohol Are Everyone's Problem

No longer can we associate substance abuse with only the criminal element of our society. The devastating consequences are evident throughout our society. Our nation is fighting for its existence as drugs find acceptance and use in the best elements of our culture. Even those who do not use drugs and alcohol are the victims of the crimes committed by those who do use. Increased instances of violent crime, robbery, burglary and traffic accidents can be attributed to drugs and alcohol. In the work place studies show that an alarming one in five members of the adult work force use drugs at any one time.

We All Pay The Price...

Drug abuse among our young people impairs emotional growth and learning. Statistics show that 1 in 16 high school students smoke marijuana daily, and in excess of 60% of all students will have used an illicit drug by the Twelfth Grade.

No Quick Solutions

Some believe the solution to the substance abuse problem is to pass more laws, employ more policemen, prosecutors and judges, and build more prisons. The sad truth is that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. As long as our society demands drugs and is willing to pay whatever is necessary to get them, there will always be those who are willing to take risks to supply them.

The only way to put drug suppliers out of business is through the proper balance of enforcement and prevention education which results in increased risks and reduced profits for the suppliers. DARE attempts to reduce the demand for drugs by teaching children the knowledge and skills needed to resist drugs. There are no quick solutions to our deeply rooted drug problem. However, there is hope. Efficient prevention programs, combined with vigorous enforcement, will have a positive impact upon our drug problem.

Promising Results

The proof of any program is determined by its results. Here is what students, teachers and parents who have tried the DARE Program say about it:

From Teachers and Principals:

"Students have become more aware of their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions."

"Have repeatedly seen children walk away from negative behavior who would not have done so a year ago."

From Students:

"DARE has helped me a lot."

"Once someone offered me drugs, but I said 'no'.  That someone kept asking, but I just ran away."

From a Parent:

"Project DARE has left a lasting impression on My son; in fact, it had an impact on our whole family."

Program evaluations show that DARE offers many benefits. Not only has DARE changed many student's attitudes about drugs, DARE appears to positively impact absenteeism, tardiness and in-classroom disciplinary problems.

For further information contact the Santa Barbara Police Department - (805) 897-3712 or 897-3707

[Police Department Homepage]

DARE Activities

DARE instructors employ a variety of activities such as group discussions and role playing. A healthy exchange of ideas and feelings is an important part of the learning process.

In addition workshops are held for teachers and parents. They are made aware of the signs of substance abuse, how to intervene, and where to seek assistance.

Resistance Education

The DARE curriculum is based on research which indicates that effective prevention instruction must focus on four major areas:

• Providing accurate information about drugs and alcohol,
• Teaching students decision making skills,
• Showing them how to resist peer pressure,
• Giving them ideas for alternatives to drug use.

Traditional scare tactics that teach only the harms of drugs are de-emphasized. Kids don't want to be told what to do and what not to do.

Teens want to act grown up. Many of them think that smoking, drinking and exotic drugs are their passport to adulthood.

DARE attempts to teach students what being grown up really means - not giving into peer pressure. Making your own decisions, and learning to cope with life's problems in positive ways.

Officer Instruction

A unique feature of DARE is the use of police officers as instructors. DARE Officers receive intensive training to enable them to effectively teach in the classroom.

The officer presents a 17-week continuous curriculum involving different lessons and objectives each week. This results in the development of a bond of understanding and friendship between the officer and the student.

D.A.R.E. Tips For Parents:

• Establish family rules that make the use of drugs non-negotiable.
• Educate yourself about drugs, so you can talk informatively with your children and answer their questions.
• Since peer pressure is a major factor in teen drug use, know your children's friends.
• Spend time with your children, teach them the right way by presenting them with a positive example in your daily life.
• Talk with other parents. Try to establish uniform rules that make access to drugs harder for your children and their friends, such as a curfew, the amount of spending money they receive and their use of a car.
• Tell your children you love them and encourage them to come to you when they have a problem.
• If problems arise, try to seek advice and counsel from someone both you and your child respect and can relate to.