Drugs have been used and around for thousands of years. In ancient history, priests and healers relied on opium, alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, and nicotine to remain alert while praying or as medicine. Romans drank wine to excess, as did other cultures in other time periods. Today we now understand the impacts that those substances have on the person’s brain and emotional health. The drugs that are being used today, however, are more potent. Artificial substances like methamphetamine, certain prescription narcotics, and Fentanyl have been developed to be powerful. The current drugs that are most problematic include heroin, Fentanyl, marijuana, benzodiazepines, prescription stimulants, and alcohol. 
What is The Aim of Drug Education?
Drug education goals are to illuminate the different types of drugs, why they are dangerous, and how someone gets addicted. Drug education also allows for someone to recognize how they are coping with life at the moment. Drug education has evolved to include interactive formats that help kids see how they are doing emotionally, mentally, and physically. Adults also need drug education but have an advantage because of their emotional development. Still, information about the dangers of drugs is vital to prevent drug use for any age group.
Why Is Drug Education Important?
Drug education provides up-to-date information about the dangers of using drugs. All illicit drugs, including marijuana, can and most often lead to addiction and can cause death. Educating younger people and adults about what types of drugs exist and what they do to their bodies is critical. In addition, teaching someone about drugs diminishes the rumors and even the stigma about addiction. For example, we now know that opioid pain killers have led people to become heroin addicts, even though they were never addicted to anything before and had legitimate medical needs for a narcotic. Addiction can happen to any person, rich or poor, of any nationality, age, income level, or gender.
Why is Awareness of the Numerous Drug Types Helpful?
Since we are still struggling with the opioid epidemic, we are now seeing more types of drugs, not just opioids, being laced with Fentanyl. Cocaine, Xanax, Ecstasy, and others are now cut with Fentanyl for the sole purpose of causing the person to develop an opioid addiction. Knowing what effects drugs should have an understanding that drugs are, in fact, made with deadly drug mixtures, a person will have some defense against using the drug. In addition, knowing the facts about the numerous different types of drugs further helps a person make better choices. Long gone are the days of hiding drugs to protect people. Drugs are everywhere.
Drug Education is an Opportunity for Self-Awareness
Educating people about why someone is more likely to get addicted to a drug versus their friend helps develop self-awareness. Drug education points out what causes addiction. Both alcohol and drug use are more dangerous to specific individuals. The risk factors for those who can develop an addiction easily include:
- Family History of Addiction (genetic link)
- Environmental Influences (presence of drugs and alcohol in the home or environment)
- History of Trauma, Abuse, or Neglect
- Undiagnosed or Diagnosed Mental Health Disorders
Who is in Charge of Drug Education?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has recently redesigned what is taught and how it is taught to youth. In addition, they provide free guides online available to anyone or for teachers and rehab centers.
The Mind Matters series consists of nine booklets on various drug topics. The series was designed to help students in grades 5 through 8 understand the effects and consequences of drug use on the brain and body. Each of the booklets in the Mind Matters series is devoted to a specific drug or drug topic, including Drugs and the Brain, Cocaine, Inhalants, K2 Spice and Bath Salts, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Nicotine, Opioids, and Prescription Stimulants. The accompanying online Teacher’s Guide includes science-based information and engaging activities to enhance learning. In addition, short video clips are available to supplement the lessons. (NIDA)
Where to Get Professional Drug Education?
Evoke Wellness provides expert-led drug education in all of our rehab programs. Like the guides by NIDA, we engage our clients with cutting-edge information about what drugs to do to the body and mind and why they are addictive. The program we provide is evidence-based and targets each person’s history with drugs and alcohol personally. As a result, each person is unique, and they require custom treatment plans and therapy methods. To find out more about our in-depth treatment program, call for immediate help, or chat and email for more information.
