Drug Positive Education, the foundations

Research on the effects on a new approach to drug education is desperately needed, but would require overcoming many different hurtles: institutional access, parental approval, and societal attitudes are all barriers to implementation of this curriculum. Still, here is are some ideas to start from:

A two year, 18-part lesson plan from the harm reduction model in Victoria, Australia: 

From the “Say Why to Drugs” podcast with Dr. Suzi Gage

“Some things that don’t work in schools: Cops, ex addicts using scare tactics, delivering information with no emotional connection, and trying to go in only once”
“Some things that DO work in schools: interactive curriculum, relevant and age appropriate information,  incorporating a life skills approach, and personal stories.”
“Doing drug education wrong is a space for harm – whether it is creating criminal and stigmatizing fear or glamorizing.”

Dr. Suzi Gage in conversation with Sarah Birkett on better drug education:

 

A checklist for responsible partying, from the Drug Policy Alliance:

 

From a talk on stigma differences between drugs with Emanuel Sferios

If we believe in the therapeutic use of drugs, we must believe in everyone’s right to choose their own use.

 

From “Drug Use for Grown Ups” by Dr. Carl Hart, an “unapologetic drug user” who is also a father, neuroscience researcher, and professor at Columbia University. “I take drugs as part of my pursuit of happiness and they work.”

 “The drug use described in this book should be limited to healthy, responsible adults.
          1. These individuals fulfill their responsibilities as citizens, parents, partners, and professionals.
          2. They eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get sufficient amounts of sleep.
          3. They take steps to alleviate chronic excessive stress levels.

 

These practices ensure physical fitness and considerably reduce the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects… People undergoing acute crises and those afflicted with psychiatric illnesses should probably avoid drug use because they may be at greater risk of experiencing unwanted effects.”