Dear Johnny,
…Despite my advice to abstain, you may one day choose to experiment [with drugs.] I will say again that this is not a good idea, but if you do, I urge you to learn as much as you can, and use common sense.
-- Marsha Rosenbaum,
   The San Francisco Chronicle, September 7, 1998

According to a recent government survey, 54% of high school seniors have experimented with an illegal drug. Though every parent wishes and hopes that their children abstain from drug experimentation, the statistic above shows the majority of teenagers will experiment despite 20 years of "Just Say No" messages. Teenagers have become skeptical of the often-exaggerated messages and scare tactics relayed through D.A.R.E. and other prevention programs. While advocating abstinence, our ultimate goal should be safety and the prevention of drug abuse and drug problems.

Drug Education should follow the lead of sex education. Though sex education began with abstinence only tenets in the 1970s, the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s focused on efforts to save lives. To help reduce the harm associated with unsafe sexual practices, realistic sex education stressed safety. Today's drug education programs face the same abstinence only vs. safety dilemma.

Many parents fear that a reality-based, safety oriented discussion of drugs may lead to experimentation. Ultimately, teenagers will make the final decision about alcohol and other drug use. Young people need to know which drugs pose the most risks; that mixing certain substances can be deadly; and that driving under the influence or attending school under the influence must be avoided. When talking about drugs, trust and open dialogue is of utmost importance between teens and parents. Though abstinence is preferred, parents need to let their teens know that they care most about their health. Drug education efforts should promote safety first.

For more information please see Safety First.