Final Reflection
Throughout the constant divide of this country, there is one thing that everyone agrees with. Simply, drugs are bad, there is no way around it. For decades now in America we have been fighting drug abuse and misuse, and losing horrendously. There needs to be more harm reduction and drug education in America to prevent one of the leading killers. From sexual health education to defibrillators in public buildings, harm reduction steps have been taken for other dangers. What is stopping society from protecting people from the dangers of drugs?
No matter what your political, personal, religious, etc. views are, most people agree that drugs are dangerous. They should be avoided and only used when prescribed to prevent misuse and harm. Drugs can affect people in many negative ways and addiction is a serious disease. Although shockingly there have been very few successful drug prevention campaigns in America. We need to start informing society on the dangers of drugs and why they are horrible, instead of just telling them to say no. The government should take steps towards mandatory drug education for everyone all across the country.
In the past the government has led campins like “Just Say No” to prevent Americans from doing drugs. Unfortunately this is not the right tacktick, telling someone not to do something is just going to make them want to do it. An effective solution is educating people on why drugs are dangerous, harmful, and why you should stay away from them. Arming them with the knowledge to keep one another safe needs to be an option. As one of the leading killers of young people in America, drug education needs to be accessible for everyone. Teaching young adults about the dangers of drugs and how to respond in an overdose scenario should be a must. Drug education should be taught in schools all across the country. Empowering people with the real data and knowledge about a dangerous topic will educate them properly to make the best decision.
38 States required sex education and or HIV education to give students the knowledge they need to make informed decsions about sexual health. This prepares students for the potential risks and helps protect them. The same should be with drug education in the United States. As one of the most pressing issues facing young people today, I don't see why we are not educating young people about the dangers of taking drugs. Although I do understand that all parents might not agree that this is the best of their children. So they can opt-out if they feel it's un-necessary or not applicable. There should at least be the option for all students to learn how to protect themselves and one another. Drug education should just be another topic that everyone is educated on just like how to add and write an essay.
There are countless things we can teach highschool students to keep them safe. Starting with how drugs affect you, your brain, and your overall health. Then teaching about how addiction is a disease and is not something to joke about. Also teaching young adults about the dangers of taking drugs, how many things these days are laced. You never know what you are taking and can never be too safe. Lastly, teaching people how to respond in an overdose situation is crucial to save lives. These are all practical things that should be taught in schools all across the country. Just starting the conversation about drug abuse prevention, opening the door for many more things.
The conversation should extend past the walls of high school classrooms as well. Having drug education courses open to the public offered in community building like rec-centers for anyone to take. Allowing adults and members of society to be educated on drugs so everyone is informed no matter your background. This will help everyone be more informed and empowered to make decisions while being aware of the dangers. Also having addiction recovery resources and programs available for everyone, to help people take back control of their lives. There needs to be more public education and recourse to help all members of society.
Defibrillators were put into schools and public buildings all across the country to prevent death from cardiac arrest. First aid kits are everywhere in case someone gets a cut. Harm reduction measures for drugs should be treated the same way. Everywhere and everyone should have naloxone on hand at all times with the knowledge of how to safely administer it in overdose situations. Drug testing strips should be available and affordable at hospitals, schools, library's, etc. Taking these steps to help everyone prepared in all instances is the least we can do to help save lives in America.
As a nation we have lost the war on drugs, although there are still measures we can take to mitigate the impact and help people lead better, more informed lives. Having accessible resources and education in America needs to happen to keep people safe. Drug education needs to be supported and not shamed in this county to bring light to the real danger, that is living in denial.