In a recent 2 part series entitled “The Politics of Pain,” the St Petersburg Times chronicled a very real situation occurring now more and more with prescribed pain medications winding up in the hands of drug abusers or our youth, and often resulting in death.
While it is often the case that the solutions of today manifest themselves as the problems of tomorrow, seeing this played out so conspicuously in the lives of friends and neighbors who have lost loved ones, can only serve to engender action by those who are willing to do something about the problem.
One such group that is doing something is “The foundation for a Drug-Free World,” a secular, non-profit organization. It was established to meet the increasing demand for the international “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life” drug prevention program, which has been conducted around the world for more than 20 years by members of Scientology churches in collaboration with the interfaith community, volunteer organizations, educational institutions and government agencies.
The purpose of the Foundation is to empower youth and adults with the facts about drugs so they can make an informed decision to say no, and help others make the same decision.
The program consists of 10 booklets containing, without bias, the truth about many of today’s recreational and pharmaceutical drugs that are winding up as dangerous pastimes in the hands of our youth. With titles such as The truth about Drugs, The Truth about Painkillers, …. Heroin, …Kiddie Cocain (Ritalin), ….Cocaine, ….Ecstasy etc. they are a no nonsense – direct assault on the lies and the allure that has ruined so many lives.
They are also a solution to the difficulties often encountered by parents when they try to speak to their children about drugs.
To date the Foundation has handed out over 40,000 booklets in the Tampa Bay area. The booklets have also been sought after by after-school programs, police departments and other social organizations around the US and are gaining recognition as an effective method of prevention.
If you have a loved one or know a group that is concerned with this issue you can go to www.drugfreeworld.org for more information.