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Drug awareness programs targeted at highschoolers are embedded into modern culture; DARE, Just Say No, and the BioMed Central (BMC) drug safety program all come to mind. Yet despite their cultural prevalence, their actual effectiveness is far less remembered.
As a high school student preparing to enter college, I can barely remember most drug awareness and prevention programs (with the exception of the over-the-top BMX presentation). While I understand the dangers of substance abuse, there is still an important role for prevention programs in school. After all, teaching students at a young age to avoid drugs seems like the best way to address the problem altogether, right?
The issue, however, is that many of these programs rely almost entirely on a single message: “Just say no.” While this advice isn’t wrong, it isn’t especially effective. What’s missing is the explanation – the why – and that is far more important than many programs realize.
Kids are naturally curious and constantly questioning the world around them. When a child asks, “why do I have to do chores?” and the answer is simply “because I said so,” they are far less motivated to listen. The same principle applies to drug prevention. Instead of telling students not to use drugs without context, programs should emphasize why they shouldn’t.
This means going beyond vague warnings about addiction and honestly explaining how drugs harm the body and mind. It also means addressing how substance abuse affects more than just the user, as it can damage relationships with friends and family. These realities are far more impactful than vague commands or flashy presentations.
Too often, drug awareness programs try to appeal to students through gimmicks (like the BMX program). Instead, they should focus on being clear, direct, and genuine. If programs shift toward explaining the “why” behind their message, students like me might actually remember, and take seriously, the reasons they were told to stay away from drugs.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
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