Drug Education

We urge young people to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, but national surveys show us that substance use is common among high school students and most young people accept it as part of teenage social life. If we ignore the reality of teen drug use and fail to provide young people with honest, informative drug education, we increase their risk of falling into abusive patterns. Misleading drug education can also weaken youth confidence in law enforcement, parents, and other adults. DPA supports reality-based approaches to drug education at home and in school that foster open and honest dialogue around the risks and consequences of drug use. Students need drug education that respects their intelligence and gives them the tools to stay safe and healthy. Get our Safety First booklet for ideas on how to talk to young people about drugs.

Learn more about our priorities for drug education.

UpFront

UpFront programs work to increase understanding of drugs and their effects, support responsible behavior, and reduce risk and harm. They design drug education programs based on mutual respect and openness between students and educators, with an emphasis on student involvement.

Visit UpFront.

Report of the Global Commission on Drug Policy

June 2, 2011

Global Commission on Drug Policy

The Global Commission, whose members include Kofi Annan and four former presidents, calls the drug war a failure and advocates a paradigm shift in global drug policy. The commission's bold recommendations include encouraging governments to experiment with legalization of drugs, particularly marijuana; putting an end to drug policies being driven by ideology and politics; and directing resources away from arresting and incarcerating so many people for drug law violations.

Read the report.

Federal Activist Toolkit

We can make a powerful impact by urging our members of Congress to end failed drug war policies. They care what their constituents have to say.

Tips for Talking to Congress

Legislators appreciate hearing from their constituents, and they are elected to represent our views. Always give your legislator your name, address, and telephone number so that they know you are one of their constituents. Be sure to include this information whether you visit in person, call, or write.

When you contact your legislators, a short sentence or two about why you personally support or oppose a certain proposal is fine.

Most importantly, always be courteous and clear when communicating with your legislators. Remember, legislators are people, too!

Ecstasy Fact Card Continues to Generate Controversy in Los Angeles

Ecstasy Use Fact Card is Consistent with Public Health Best Practices Around the Country, Says Harm Reduction Expert

Meghan Ralston at 323-681-5224 or Tommy McDonald at 510-229-5215

Landmark Bill to Prevent Drug Overdose Passes CA Legislature with Unanimous Bipartisan Support, Awaits Governor

Drug Deaths Match those from Car Crashes, Gunshot Wounds in Some Counties

A California Senator and emergency room physician today joined a widow whose husband died of a heroin overdose to urge Governor Gray Davis to support the nation's first drug overdose prevention bill. The bill has already passed the California State Legislature with unanimous bipartisan support, and now awaits the Governor's signature to turn the bill into law.

510-208-7711

The Failed Drug War: Shadow Conventions Spotlight Issues Parties Won't Touch

Money-Dominated Politics, Growing Inequality and Poverty Amidst Prosperity

New Report Finds Stark Racial Disparities in Arrests of Drug Sellers in Seattle

More Whites Sell Drugs, But By Far More Blacks Are Arrested, Says New Report

A groundbreaking study of the racial disparities in arrest rates for individuals who sell drugs in Seattle was released this week.

Tony Newman 212-613-8026 or Shayna Samuels 718-541-4785

Students for Sensible Drug Policy

SSDP mobilizes and empowers young people to participate in the political process, pushing for sensible policies to achieve a safer and more just future, while fighting back against counterproductive drug war policies, particularly those that directly harm students and youth.

View the website.

A Frank Mother-Son Conversation on Drugs

January 13, 2007

Marsha Rosenbaum and John Irwin

AlterNet

One mother shares the advice she offered her son on drugs before he entered high school. Eight years later, as a college graduate, he tells how successful the advice was.

View the article.