Understanding Drug Education: Promoting Awareness and Prevention

Given how alcohol and drugs are glorified in today’s Los Angeles culture, it is easy for impressionable young minds to be carried away by the glitz and the glamor. Yet, the reality of this is that an estimated 1.4 million struggle with substance use disorders in LA.

This is where drug education equips students and young persons with the knowledge that licit and illicit drugs can have potential adverse impacts on their lives. While it is not mandated in the U.S., certain programs like Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) have been consistently implemented in educational institutions and are aimed at preventing the use of controlled substances, gang membership, and violent behavior.

Drug education is an instructional program that informs adolescents and young adults regarding the moral and health-related implications of substance use.

By informing you regarding the dangers (like misuse, dependence, overdose, and infections) of licit and illicit substance use, drug education can prevent and reduce harm related to substance use.

Linda Whiteside, Clinical Supervisor at the NuView Treatment Center, says, “An estimated 13% of Americans aged 12 and older report illicit drug use. This number is only going to increase unless we take proactive steps to prevent it. Therefore, the onus of drug education lies on parents, educational institutions, healthcare systems, and the community in general.”

Drug education is important on different levels. Some of the reasons are:

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) reports that alcohol use begins at the age of 12 and marijuana use begins at the age of 14. This indicates the need for drug education to begin early – at home and in schools.
• It identifies who is at high risk for substance use, based on factors like a family history of substance use, trauma, other mental health conditions, peer relationships, and so on.
• It enables you to identify your triggers and stressors that can lead to substance use.
• You can develop strategies to prevent substance use and make healthy choices to lead a sober life.

A recent survey by American Addiction Centers shows that 47% of those who receive drug education say that they want to avoid substance use altogether, while 35% report somewhat wanting to avoid substance use. Yet, despite its huge scope, 41% never receive any kind of drug education whatsoever.

There are two types of drug education programs - abstinence-based and harm-reduction programs.

Abstinence-based programs aim to prevent substance use by:

• Educating adolescents and young adults regarding illicit substance use.
• Providing information regarding the dangers of illicit substance use.
• Emphasizing abstinence over everything else.

Harm-reduction programs acknowledge that substance use is inevitable. So, instead, they aim to reduce the dangers associated with substance use by:

• Educating adolescents and young adults about safe substance use.
• Emphasizing the need to use sterile needles.
• The need to have naloxone - to reverse an opioid overdose.
• Not driving under the influence of any substance.
• The importance of reaching out to seek professional help.

Abstinence-based programs, like D.A.R.E, did not find great success. They did not lead to any significant reduction in substance use and, in fact, some studies indicated that they had a counterproductive effect. From the 2020s onward, there has been a shift toward harm-reduction programs.

Youth between the ages of 16 and 25 years are increasingly turning to substance use to cope with the challenges of a highly fast-paced, stressful life. Drug education is the need of the day - and still, many do not receive the education they need and deserve on substance use.

Here are some ways in which drug education programs can penetrate the LA society:

Integrate Education Into Every School & Community Setting

• Drug education can be integrated into social science and life skills classes, so that students can learn why substances can harm and how to resist pressure.
• Programs that involve real stories and other hands-on exercises resonate more than lectures.
• Young students are more likely to listen to and learn from peers who understand them. Peer educators can play a huge role in spreading positive, relatable information regarding substance use.

Strengthen Family and Community Engagement

Drug education is not just limited to educational institutions. It must emphasize the role of family and community -

• Honest conversations at home about substances and pressures teens face must be encouraged.
• Community partners - such as local nonprofits, youth centers, and after-school programs - can bring drug education into places where youth naturally spend time, making learning continuous rather than isolated.
• Los Angeles is home to influential voices. Community-level organizations can create drug education campaigns that involve these trusted figures can make it feel authentic and relatable.

Drug Education Must Be Connected With Real Support Services

• Youth counseling services must be funded by the government in schools and community centers.
• Educational institutions and community centers can offer mentorship and resilience-building programs
• Community centers can hold family workshops to teach parents how to speak about substance use, recognize early red flags, and support healthy behaviors.
• Schools and colleges can connect students to mental health resources when needed.

Use Data to Keep Improving

• Regularly evaluate programs for real outcomes.
• Use local data to tailor programs to fit the needs and population of a certain neighborhood.
• Share findings among schools, non-profit organizations, and policymakers so as to cultivate the best practices.

Keeping away from substance use in today’s Los Angeles is like walking a tightrope. With the right knowledge and care, NuView can equip you with the tools and strategies you need to make informed, healthy choices.

Please reach out to us at (323) 307-7997 to learn more about our programs today!

1. How can drug education address substance use and mental health together?

Drug education programs increasingly integrate mental health awareness, recognizing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma as key drivers of substance use.

2. Can drug education help someone who has experimented with substances?

Yes, evidence-based drug education programs can reduce risky behaviors, prevent escalation, and gently direct the person toward early intervention and support.

3. Are drug education programs in Los Angeles only for the youth?

No, not really. While drug education programs are specifically meant for adolescents and young adults, they can benefit everyone by spreading information regarding misuse patterns, safe practices, and when to seek professional help.

4. How can culturally sensitive drug education programs improve outcomes in Los Angeles?

Programs tailored to LA’s diverse communities are more relatable, relevant, and effective at changing perspectives and behaviors.

5. When should drug education transition into professional treatment support?

When substance use begins to impede daily functioning, safety, and education, it needs to be paired with clinical care and supportive counseling.