Drug Use Education for a Change

		DUE is Change
WE CAN NEVER UNDO THE DAMAGE OF THE WOD BUT TO IMPLEMENT DUE THEN HOPE & PRAY TO GOD
Since the WOD commenced in 1971, crime has increased significantly throughout the US. In addition to conventional criminal activity, new categories of crime were introduced to our "free" nation. Since 1980, white collar crimes have been on the increase. Even with the largest prison population of any nation in the world, our streets and now, our corporations and government have a significantly higher percentage of criminals than we did before the WOD. DUE today is just a frame that needs to be constructed. The formula for DUE requires an inclusive effort of various government and non-government organizations along with the voice of US citizens representing all factions of society.
Drug Use Education (DUE) is not complex. In fact, it's easier to teach Drug Use than it is to teach Drug Abuse, simply because there are so many ways something can be done wrong. The trouble is that we spend too much time examining theories in answering questions that are still largely unknown: Why are some people drawn to chemical substances and others are not? This can be explored on psychological, sociological, genetic, and thus, physiological levels. Well, they just are. We don't need to look at case after case for the answers. The reason why drug education programs get tossed so often is because so many feel that these questions need to be examined first. The truth is, it doesn't make much of a difference why someone is drawn to drugs and others are not. The goal of DUE is to end the abuse of drugs. To do so only requires that the student knows there is a distinction between use and abuse and that there two principal reasons why abuse exists. One maintains that there is an internal source and the other that there is an external source or reason. That is to say: Abuse of any kind begins with self-hate (learned behavior). Drugs become abused by anyone who is not properly trained how to administer medications. (lack of knowledge) The core of DUE is to replace self-hate with a sense of self worth and to teach students the importance of doses. Believe it or not, there are many who don't know what a dose is or the significance of proper dosing. SELF HATE The majority of youth are first introduced to drugs by someone they know. There's no rule here, but it's more difficult for a total stranger to attach themselves to someone's life unless they have a foundation. The scenario of the stranger and the lost puppy is too overplayed for this generation's kids not to be aware that they can be lured away. The persons that a parent needs to fear are those that they usually fear least. A best friend or neighborhood friend with an older cousin visiting from out of town is often the way that most suburbanites get introduced. Today, many kids learn about drugs from watching their parents use them. Because drugs are taboo, they attract certain types of kids. A child who takes risks is more likely to try drugs today, however, it is not just trying drugs but setting the stage for needing them that becomes the problem. In a neighborhood where there are gangs, membership might be a protocol, but there are gang members who won't find the attraction to drugs. Then there are 12-year olds who are compelled to try anything. Why? The theory is that someone who is neglected by their family will surely develop a habit. But the cost of drugs and the constant bombardment of advertising that teaches kids to fear drugs has created a whole new generation. In LA, "Scott", a 17-year-old male who recently tested HIV-positive, said that he was turned off to using pot, cocaine, and crystal meth. For Scott, his drug of choice was gasoline that he learned how to huff from his girlfriend, "Cindy" who grew up with three brothers who would get her high and take turns sexually abusing her. Cindy was infected by HIV when she was 14 and had just moved to LA. Scott and Cindy had one special thing in common: they were taught to dislike who they were. Cindy was an unwanted child. She was hated by her stepmother and that perpetuated a self-hate that grew out of control. Scott was also an unwanted child and Cindy knew how to make Scott feel appreciate. In the end, Cindy knew that she wanted Scott to have HIV, because if she was going to suffer the consequences, she wanted someone to share in her misery. Self hate is still the biggest problem facing young gay youth, Despite the gay TV programs, there are no role models for gays and lesbians. In fact, today, self hate is exacerbated by programs that present stereotypes. The cornerstone of DUE is identifying those youth who exhibit certain characteristics uared away. However, once HIV became a treatable disease, the anger and hostility returned. s that have remained in the forefront. SOCIAL PROGRAMS PERPETUATE THIS FEELING OF WORTHLESSNESS, THINKING THAT THIS WILL CURB THE ABUSIVE PATTERN. IT DOESN'T! IT SIMPLY EXACERBATES THE PROBLEM, ENABLING THE VICTIM TO ABUSE AGAIN AND AGAIN. WE DON'T NEED TO TEACH DRUG ABUSERS IT'S OKAY FOR THEM TO FAIL. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION. BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THE ONLY SOLUTION IS SIMPLY TO STOP USING DRUGS.

The first thing that students need to learn in a Drug Use Education is how to appreciate and connect with themselves. Students need to believe that they are valued and loved. And in return, they need to express themselves naturally. In this environment, the psychologist-teacher will be able to identify patterns of irregular behavior. The way to discipline a child is not to make them feel inadequate but simply to correct a problem by showing them the right way and allowing them enough time to absorb. Rather than motivating them through fear and intimidation, a child's fear needs to be overcome. Rewards benefit the child. In step 2