If you went to school in the US from 1983-2009, chances are you attended a DARE (Drug Abuse & Resistance Education) program. The ubiquitous, well-funded federal program was meant to keep kids from using drugs. Instead it did the opposite.
8 reasons why DARE failed, a thread:
8 reasons why DARE failed, a thread:
1. Police Officers Taught
Not only are cops bad teachers, they often have very poor (or straight-up incorrect) drug knowledge. As a result, their authority on the subject was undermined. Many students also reported being "bored" during these sessions.
Not only are cops bad teachers, they often have very poor (or straight-up incorrect) drug knowledge. As a result, their authority on the subject was undermined. Many students also reported being "bored" during these sessions.
2. Incorrect Information
DARE perniciously claimed that cannabis was a gateway drug, a single dose of a drug can get you addicted & perpetuated the myth that psychedelics cause flashbacks. This undercut trust in the program, leading students to disregard the "facts" presented.
DARE perniciously claimed that cannabis was a gateway drug, a single dose of a drug can get you addicted & perpetuated the myth that psychedelics cause flashbacks. This undercut trust in the program, leading students to disregard the "facts" presented.
3. Poorly Thought Out
DARE didn't always have the best ideas. Showing 5th graders graphic drug abuse photos & using students as informants is not very ethical. Handing out pencils that ground down to "cool to do drugs" shows the overall tactlessness of the program.
DARE didn't always have the best ideas. Showing 5th graders graphic drug abuse photos & using students as informants is not very ethical. Handing out pencils that ground down to "cool to do drugs" shows the overall tactlessness of the program.
4. No Harm Reduction
DARE was focused on abstinence only, leaving kids without any safety tips or information on how to treat an OD of a friend or family member. With fentanyl use and child overdoses on the rise, harm reduction is essential.
DARE was focused on abstinence only, leaving kids without any safety tips or information on how to treat an OD of a friend or family member. With fentanyl use and child overdoses on the rise, harm reduction is essential.
5. The Boomerang Effect
By focusing on the different effects of drugs and slang terms, DARE introduced kids to drugs they had never heard of before. Instead of pushing kids away from new drugs, it made many kids interested in different drugs & their effects.
By focusing on the different effects of drugs and slang terms, DARE introduced kids to drugs they had never heard of before. Instead of pushing kids away from new drugs, it made many kids interested in different drugs & their effects.
6. Focused On The Wrong 'Causes'
"Keeping Kids Drug Free", a book distributed by DARE, contained a questionnaire that gauged a child's stress level/ potential for drug use. If they answered yes to "did something exciting happen" or "tried hard to win a game", they were 'at risk'.
"Keeping Kids Drug Free", a book distributed by DARE, contained a questionnaire that gauged a child's stress level/ potential for drug use. If they answered yes to "did something exciting happen" or "tried hard to win a game", they were 'at risk'.
7. Criticism Was Suppressed
DARE was designed to be pro kid & pro cop. As such, any criticism was met with vitriol. There are even reports of reporters/academics receiving threatening calls, having tires slashed, and even jamming a TV transmission airing criticism.
DARE was designed to be pro kid & pro cop. As such, any criticism was met with vitriol. There are even reports of reporters/academics receiving threatening calls, having tires slashed, and even jamming a TV transmission airing criticism.
8. No Practice/Interactive Activities
Focusing on "just say no" works great until the moment after you say no. Who cares that you can say no 50 different ways if you don't know what to do after. Kids needed hands on experience which they weren't getting.
Focusing on "just say no" works great until the moment after you say no. Who cares that you can say no 50 different ways if you don't know what to do after. Kids needed hands on experience which they weren't getting.
Studies have consistently shown that DARE is ineffective, with some studies showing evidence that DARE actually increased drug use in youth, particularly hallucinogenic drugs.
[Indiana University, 1992]
[Indiana University, 1992]
So what can we learn?
-Teenagers are great at detecting bullshit and should get the truth about drugs.
-Abstinence only programs increase harm from drug use.
-DARE was politically inspired, not based on drug policy or expert opinions.
-Teenagers are great at detecting bullshit and should get the truth about drugs.
-Abstinence only programs increase harm from drug use.
-DARE was politically inspired, not based on drug policy or expert opinions.
Sources:
pbs.org/wgbh/pages/fro…
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_Abus…
vox.com/2014/9/1/59985…
vice.com/en/article/gq8…
pbs.org/wgbh/pages/fro…
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_Abus…
vox.com/2014/9/1/59985…
vice.com/en/article/gq8…
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