. . . scientology . net . au

2007-03-27

Schools called upon for new drug seminars to youth

The word on the street is Ice, or E, or special K, or many other “cool” sounding names for “party drugs". Wrecked lives are strewn throughout recent history and always make headline news. Yet still the problem gets worse, meaning something we are doing needs to be changed.

After the sad death last month of 20 year old Annabel Catt — anti–drug campaigner, Carly Crutchfield has called upon all schools and anti-drug groups to renew and increase their cooperation and efforts toward creating a drug free society.

She has also vowed to help stop this tragedy from happening again by getting 1 million drug education into the hands of youth around Australia. Statistics have shown clearly that factual education about drugs lowers drug use. Drug use doesn’t result in knowledge about drugs and there is an alarming lack of knowledge about the full physical and mental effects of drugs. She is calling on the community to support her in this cause.

Drug Free Ambassadors Australia are offering to schools in the local area, to provide drug education and prevention lectures or training to those who want to do so, or to work with them in any capacity to help eliminate this epidemic.

Their purpose is to provide factual information that young people can read as well as their parents to really educate them before they start on drugs. The Ambassadors group has spoken to tens of thousands of youth in Australia one–on–one about drugs and surveyed what they know about drugs. The results showed not only do youth know little to nothing; but they have heard many false statements that make them think the harm is far less than it is. There is a lack of comprehensive available information about the full effects of drugs — what they do, the short-term effects and the long-term effects and the lasting mental problems that can result.

The most disturbing aspect of this problem is how drug abuse damages youth and the threat this poses for the future. Young users suffer more illnesses, miss more days of school and are more prone to engage in criminal conduct. We are not just talking about illegal substances — we are also talking about alcohol abuse and binge drinking, which is a major problem in Australia and results in death, injury, violence and unwanted sexual encounters to name but a few of the adverse effects. We are also talking about an abuse of prescription drugs, stimulants like dexamphetamine and Ritalin which are being sold in our schools.

It is therefore vital to reach young people before they start on drugs. Studies suggest that if a young person can reach the age of 21 without using illicit drugs, they are unlikely ever to do so.

Drug Free Ambassadors Australia was started by the Church of Scientology and is an affiliate of the Foundation for a Drug Free World and works with government and all sectors of the community to assist them helping youth to be drug free.

Reach Carly on her myspace website or download or order the Truth About Drugs booklets at www.drugsalvage.com.au or call 02 9692 7308 for more info.