Alternatives to Drugs—A New Approach to Drug Education

Abstract

Drawing upon the principles of human behavior, this article suggests the positive use of alternatives to drug abuse as a basis for education and prevention of drug abuse. This will result in proper use of drugs for their intended purpose. The various tactics used for drug education are discussed. They include scare tactics, scientific approach, exploration of motives for drug abuse, and providing non-chemical alternatives for students. The author describes ten “realities” related to drug abuse which must be recognized. These become the basis for relevant and essential aspects of drug education which is focused on alternatives. The program description is soundly founded upon a mental health approach centered on such factors as 1) personal awareness, 2) interpersonal relations, 3) vocational skills, 4) a variety of personal experiences, and 5) social and political involvement. The author concludes that these “alternatives” require sincere, interested individuals who are willing to extend themselves in showing students “… something better.”