A LOOK AT SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS

The Just Say No approach to drug abuse is being criticized for tempting
youths into using "forbidden fruit." The message can be conflicting, when
contrasted with media images of happy partiers and trusted adults indulging
in alcohol and drugs.

Substance abuse education is written into each year of the Ontario
elementary school curriculum, starting in Grade 1.

"It needs to be offered every year and augmented. It needs to teach why
people do drugs, not just saying 'don't do it,'" said Jennifer Jenkins,
health promotion specialist with the City of Hamilton.

Research shows that the message is more effective if a peer delivers the
information. So as part of the city's Ideas Program, students chosen by
school administrators deliver information to classmates.

Catherine McPherson-Doe is executive director of Alternatives for Youth,
Hamilton's youth drug treatment program. She said many prevention programs
provide good information but don't go far enough to help kids handle life's
stressors.

"If a person addicted to drugs is speaking, the children are engaged and it
is very interesting, but will there be any change having heard that story?"
Ms. McPherson-Doe said.

"People with problems don't identify with the person at the front and the
people that are engaged are probably not the kids with problems."