| DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM In Alberta, there exist several programs that educate youth about the dangers and hazards of drug use. However, we have found through research that some facets and features of these initiatives are flawed in that they are broad and do not take into consideration their audiences. Age, social situation, and geographical location are very important factors that can limit the effectiveness of preventative education. Crusader Canine’s Drug Awareness Program is different from these programs in the manner from which the program is administered. Our program is well studied; and based on a variety of psychologies, profiles, history, and statistics (local/national/global) that include the success and failure of previous programs of this nature. There is a distinct departure from the traditional, authoritative lecture on the risks associated with substance abuse. Rather, the program is chiefly presented by youths that have a genuine interest in sharing their experiences and attitudes with others in an effort to help affected peers and prevent drug use in future generations. The practice of bringing former addicts and convicts to speak to students on the perils and dangers of substance abuse and the lifestyle that accompanies drug addiction is fairly common in our province. This approach usually has quite a considerable impact on students; however, there exists the caveat of glamorizing the person’s story; and this is further reinforced by the notion that the person has completely recovered himself to a healthy, successful life and appears to have suffered no consequence to his actions. Crusader Canine's Drug Awareness Program is differentiated from these “testimony of an addict” types of presentation in that there is a notably positive tone to the information and presentation, and the glory is shifted from recovered addicts to youth that who are taking early actions to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their friends, and the generations looking up to them. By sharing their experiences and attitudes towards drugs with their peers and younger students in a group setting, they will be endorsing the attitude that it is possible to be part of a social group without using drugs; that not everybody in every social circle accepts drug use as a social norm. These mentors will explain their reasons behind their decision to abstain, which vary from negative personal encounters with drugs to family substance abuse situations to the fear of legal consequences to their actions. There are members of the group who have never used any drugs at all. Some members are former “occasional users,” individuals who have been seriously affected by their use, and adolescents who have experienced the negative consequences of having a close friend or loved one suffer an addiction. By speaking in a personal tone, the audience will be informed on how drugs affect not only a young person’s health but also their social and family life. This approach is very comprehensive in that it addresses a wide array of groups in a specialized manner that is conscious of age, geographic location, and social setting. Rather than speaking as a lone individual, a group setting gives the mentors poise to speak with authority and confidence to peer groups. Younger students already look to their older counterparts for examples of trends and social norms. By asserting that the popular groups of older kids are making choices to avoid drugs and substance abuse, younger generations will be more likely to choose social activities and groups that don’t focus on using drugs and substances as a means of amusement or entertainment. This format also benefits the participating mentors. By publicly speaking about their decisions and attitudes about drugs, these youth gain confidence and security in their ability to make sound decisions. Also, the concept of guiding their peers and setting a positive example for the younger generation affords these youth a sense of accomplishment and self-belief. This concept plays enormously on the adolescent craving for independence and the need to feel empowered to make their own life choices. This addresses a shortcoming in the design of existing programs that exert a certain amount of insistent attitudes and authority to aggressively persuade youth to refrain from drug use. While the material covered is accurate, this style of presentation is commonly conceived by youth as scare tactics, and is seldom taken seriously. In many cases these programs often employ members of law enforcement agencies to deliver the presentations. In a high school setting it must be anticipated that some youth naturally rebel against authority figures—especially law and government groups—and that some guidance or education initiatives by these groups may be met with cynicism and skepticism. Crusader Canine has an ongoing research program that monitors current trends, attitudes and beliefs pertaining to the use of illicit drugs among youth. This program allows the provision of appropriate information to address emerging concerns and issues. Currently, our research indicates that youth are oblivious to the primary source of locally available drugs, and that it is becoming common for the original sources to “lace” the drugs with other highly addictive drugs, i.e., methamphetamine, PCP, or crack cocaine. Also, there is a widespread fallacy that cannabis is organic and safe, and that it even has genuine therapeutic merit. In order to address these issues, as well as several other growing concerns, the drug detection canine unit will complement Crusader Canine's Drug Awareness Program. This will involve demonstrations of searching and detection, as well as education about the dog’s proficiency and detection capabilities. Not only will this feature be interesting to any member of an audience, but the presentation of such a service reinforces the message that appropriate steps and measures to prevent illegal drug use are being implemented by communities, businesses, and a vast selection of other groups. This service, combined with existing programs and continued support of law enforcement agencies will clearly and convincingly provide Alberta’s youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to cope with the growing hazards associated with illegal drugs in the community. This Program is provided at no cost to schools, non-profit groups and organizations, which allows these groups the financial ability to further their programs and provide youth and communities with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to stop the increasing presence of drugs and addictions within their environments. Through sponsorship, local businesses and agencies will ensure drug-free environments and contribute to eliminating illegal drugs from our surroundings. |
