"Just Say No To Drugs" Is Just Not Cutting It Anymore
Ring - As the school bell sounds, little Bobby packs up his books and darts down the hall. On his way, he passes thousands of posters with the same monotonous message, "Just say NO to drugs." Little Bobby scrambled out the school doors letting them slam behind him. He jumped a few fences and had all intentions of going home until he saw something that appeared to be a little more exciting. It was Little Joey, who had a joint. After getting high, Little Bobby headed for home. He thought of how stupid all the "don't do drugs" campaigns were. He went home and passed out on the couch. When he awoke, he had the taste of vomit in his mouth and ached all over. He felt horrible, yet somehow satisfied.
Situations like the one I have just described happen every day. No matter how many anti-drug posters or commercials that are displayed, they do not seem to prevent kids from using drugs. One sees the "don't do drugs" message so often that it has lost its original meaning. There must be more effective ways to get this important message across to children. Many kids use drugs everyday. Some even loose their lives from a drug overdose. These kids do not understand its harm and therefore the dying may never end. An anonymous author once stated "LSD melts your mind, not in your hand". I feel that a totally different approach that appeals to teenagers should be used to bring the message home.
Firstly, I think that testimonials should be used. Movie stars whose lives have been ruined by drugs should retell of their horrific experiences with drugs and how the drugs have changed their lives. They should tell of the fall from stardom, the turning away of friends, the loss of money and esteem as well as the physical pain from drug withdrawal. Teens will listen to their idols before they will listen to a stranger.
The second, more effective way may be to portray drug use is to produce a movie that takes you through the life of a substance abuser. This should be a well-made movie by a famous producer so that kids will want to see it and will be moved by the message. Let the kids see what could become of them if they use illegal drugs.
The final idea for combating this perplexing problem is for a rap artist to
create a song about staying off of drugs. Rap songs tend to be about
negative behavior, yet many kids know the words by heart. If a song has an
anti-drug message it could become popular and make an impact. "Words are, of
course, are the most powerful drug used by mankind"(Rudyard Kipling).
Prevention of drug abuse is an important consideration for the health and
future of America's youth. I hope that my ideas will be utilized and will
truly make a difference in the lives of thousands of children. If drugs can
be wiped out this world would be a better place - it all starts with the
children.
