Alcohol & Drug Abuse Awareness

Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious problem in the United States for all age groups. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in 2006 there were 577,521 emergency room related to drug and alcohol problems in people of all ages. DAWN says this does not include adult visits for alcohol only and that its estimate represents only about 1/3 of all such abuse or misuse. Several organizations help make people aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and educate children before it becomes a problem.

D.A.R.E.

• The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program started in 1983 in California and as of 2009 provided in 75 percent of the schools in the United States and in more than 43 other countries. D.A.R.E. is a classroom program for grades kindergarten through 12 that is led by community police offers. It teaches children how to withstand peer pressure and lead drug-free lives. It also fosters relationships between the police officers and the public.

Partnership for a Drug-Free America

• The Partnership for a Drug-Free America helps parents learn the signs of drug abuse and how to protect their children. It educates parents about various abused substances and how to deal with substance-abuse issues with their children, and it provides resources for helping their child to recover. It also has a blog on its Web site on which parents can share information and help one another understand their children.

SAMHSA

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers publications, posters and videos to help people understand the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. They also provide information on recognizing substance abuse, specific information on each type of drug and a list of more than 80 referral organizations that offer help.

DEA

• The Drug Enforcement Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice offers a book, "Get It Straight!," written by kids to teach the facts about drugs to kids. The book offers information about specific drugs, including prescription drugs, and what they do to the body. It includes role-playing activities and questions for the reader to answer. The DEA also provides drug information and links to prevention resources for young adults and others.

Foundation For a Drug-Free World

• The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit organization that provides educational materials about drug abuse for youths and adults. Its materials are available in 125 countries. It offers DVDs, publications and substance-abuse prevention activities that include facts about all types of drugs, and alcohol. Its videos shares stories about people who have been addicted to drugs.