While drug rehab is an option for those already addicted to drugs, studies have shown that proper drug education and drug awareness go a long way to drug prevention. What can a person do?
Amidst the clamor of drug abusers and drug dealers in our communities, there needs to be a voice of reason. Our churches can bring a better vision to teach our children, empower our residents and provide the light of reasoning.
The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia has recently been working with local churches on a simple plan to take back our communities, which includes cleaning up the local convenience stores and providing drug education. Our first step has been to gain a better understanding of the problem.
Convenience stores that sell drug paraphernalia are magnets for drug addicts and drug dealers. The store where citizens pick up their cat food or grab a cup of coffee in a hurry, may have crack pipes, papers, bongs and other paraphernalia for sale. The average customer won’t see these items. They are for special customers and remain behind the counter until they are requested. If there are individuals lurking outside the convenience store for periods of time, chances these may be drug dealers, making this convenience store a “one stop shop” for drug abusers.
Religious educator can warn their parishioners on the possibility of drug trafficking at the local store. They should know to ask what paraphernalia is for sale next time they are in. And if it is for sale they should tell other concerned citizens and get them involved. Collectively, these citizens can complain in person and write letters. This is the stronger customer base and the stores will listen.
It should be possible to set up a meeting with your local law enforcement agency to work out a plan where local citizens can work with the police to get drug dealers off the street. Pass on what you learn to others so they can help too. We have worked with our local police and have discreetly reported license plate and phone numbers of suspected drug dealers. There is a noticeable decrease in the obvious number of dealers.
A new report, “Preventing Education in America’s Schools: Findings and Recommendations from a Survey of Educators” noted that although 37 states require drug education, most “Teachers don’t have the time, training or other resources needed to do the job effectively, regardless of what the state mandated standards say.” This leaves drug education up to the families and churches.
The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab can help religious leaders train local citizens on how to deliver interactive and effective drug education. If you want to train some of your parishioners on how to deliver interactive and effective drug education, then give us a call and learn about our free drug prevention training seminars. Studies conclusively show that drug education works in keeping kids from ever getting addicted in the first place.
Churches can set up activities like neighborhood sports, visits to museums and local events.
Spend some time with your kids and have some fun. There are things more fun than getting high at “pharm parties.”
Try these activities and see how community improves. It might take a little cooperation to clean things up, but what is a happy and safe community worth?
For information on seminar times for our Clean up our Community Project, call 877-236-3981.
