Forget Stats: Dare Makes A Big Impact

Mon., May 25, 1998

Lance Kissler Odessa

Who would I rather learn about drugs from: a trained police officer or someone who wants to make a profit by selling me some?

I hope everyone would answer a trained police officer. And that’s exactly what happens in the DARE program.

But recently this nationwide anti-drug program has been questioned in light of statistics about drug abuse and smoking among young people.

But does this really show DARE’s impact? I think not. There are many factors that could easily have an effect on those statistics. An increase in student population, shipment and increased availability of drugs, pressure from advertisements and movies all take their toll.

I didn’t know a lot about drugs when I started the program in fifth grade, but afterwards I was clearly able to establish right from wrong. We were taught the different kinds of drugs and their effects, what laws govern drugs and how we could avoid becoming drug users. Our DARE officer clearly stated that it was our choice, but stressed that we choose not to do drugs.

I watched a report on TV about the controversy over the DARE program and was surprised to hear parents say that DARE teaches students more about drugs and that giving students a choice leads them to be more curious and willing to try them.

Everyone has a choice and if it is anyone’s responsibility to influence their children about what to do and what not to do, it is the parents. As most know, DARE not only educates students about drugs, but also stands firm on “say no to drugs.” That line was repeated over and over in a song we had to sing when I took the program.

DARE is not a valid scapegoat for drug, tobacco and alcohol use among young people. If anything should be changed about DARE, then the officers should be given even more training and there should be a greater emphasis on the effects of drugs and ways to say no.

DARE is only one piece of the puzzle and for that reason students, teachers, parents and peers should take responsibility upon themselves to educate, help and guide coming generations. I thank my DARE officer for helping me make the right decision.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.