People celebrate the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Day on September 15 every year. The holiday was created as a collective effort to bring attention to a social cause. Drug abuse is a recurrent issue in many countries, and one of the leading causes of death. Several initiatives and educational programs have been organized during the last few decades to prevent drug abuse, and this special observance day is one of such efforts.
History of National D.A.R.E. Day
In the early 1980s, drugs became a noticeable issue in many inner cities. During that period, several government programs were organized in response, but as policies changed, drug abuse remained a consistent issue, requiring a different approach. Prevention is one of the most commonly used methods in response to drug abuse, and this is the basis for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education programs.
The D.A.R.E. program was developed by the Los Angeles Police Department to educate people. As it proved successful, other cities adopted similar approaches, and soon enough, D.A.R.E. programs became a national standard applied in schools across the U.S. The program caught the attention of then-president Ronald Reagan, who announced the first national celebration of D.A.R.E. Day. At the height of their existence, D.A.R.E. programs were funded by the federal government and commissioned by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.
Many schools still organize D.A.R.E. programs, but as of today, several studies on the effectiveness of some methods used in the programs have led to alterations. Despite the numerous changes to the programs, D.A.R.E. Day is still a nationwide celebration with educational activities organized to commemorate it each year, and the main message of prevention of drug addiction and abuse still resonates.
National D.A.R.E. Day timeline
The first Drug Abuse Resistance Education program is organized in Los Angeles.
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act is ratified, giving credence to D.A.R.E. programs.
Ronald Reagan proclaims September 15 National D.A.R.E. Day, announcing the first celebration of the holiday.
After reviewing the results of several studies on the programs, D.A.R.E. changes its methodology to become more effective.
National D.A.R.E. Day FAQs
What does D.A.R.E. stand for?
The acronym stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. It refers to a series of education programs in the U.S., set to counter drug addiction and abuse among students.
When did D.A.R.E. programs start?
The first D.A.R.E. program took place in the early 1980s. During the same decade, it expanded nationwide.
Are D.A.R.E. programs still organized?
Some forms of D.A.R.E programs are still organized. However, after some controversies about the effectiveness of its methods, they transformed to rely on a different methodology.
How to Observe National D.A.R.E. Day
Participate in the programs
Despite the transformation of D.A.R.E. Day initiatives and education programs, they are still organized and open to the public. What better way to celebrate National D.A.R.E. Day than to participate in these programs?
Read about drug abuse
D.A.R.E. programs prioritize prevention to combat drug addiction and abuse in adulthood. This method is particularly successful because drug addiction is incompatible with traditional teaching methods.
Spread the knowledge
Combating drug addiction and abuse within the community is a huge challenge that requires consistent effort. The best way to approach it is through communal effort.
5 Facts You Should Know About Drug Prevention And Abuse
A leading cause of death
In many countries, drug abuse and overdose are one of the leading causes of death.
Start drug prevention young
Prevention is the best way to counter drug abuse, especially when introduced at a young age.
Drug abuse takes many forms
There are many addictive substances and different ways to indulge in them, which often makes addiction difficult to spot.
Drug abuse is associated with depression
Studies show that people who suffer from depression and trauma are more likely to develop a habit if exposed to drugs.
Teenagehood and early adulthood
Most people who develop a drug habit do so around the age of adolescence and early adulthood.
Why National D.A.R.E. Day is Important
Drug abuse is a big issue
Drug abuse is still a leading cause of death in many countries. It is a delicate issue that increases the risk of contracting several diseases and can tear down communities, especially in light of harsh drug policies. National D.A.R.E. Day raises awareness of this.
Drug prevention is important
This holiday reminds us that the best way to eliminate drug abuse is through prevention and therapy. Particular attention is paid to people in vulnerable situations today.
It encourages education efforts
D.A.R.E. programs are educational, and they require broad study and adaptation. National D.A.R.E. Day reminds the public of the need to incorporate these programs into the educational system to raise awareness amongst school children at the formative stage.
National D.A.R.E. Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 15 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 15 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 15 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 15 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 15 | Friday |
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