What Is the D.A.R.E Program? History and Update

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, a popular school program that offers education to students to prevent drug abuse and addiction. Though the program was widely used in the past, criticisms have brought reform to the D.A.R.E. program with a strong emphasis on evidence and research.

Origin of D.A.R.E.

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program was launched in 1983 as a joint initiative between the LA Police Department and the Los Angeles Unified School District.[1] The premise was simple: empower children to lead drug-free lives through education about the risks of substance abuse and addiction.

D.A.R.E. began as a small, local program but quickly grew to nationwide and eventually international use. In the 1980s and 1990s, students from across the world attended the program.

About D.A.R.E.

D.A.R.E.’s mission is to provide children with the knowledge and tools to resist drugs.[2] Later, avoiding gangs and violence was added to the program. The vision of D.A.R.E. and its creators was to create a world in which students have the opportunity to enjoy a life free from substance abuse and violence.

Many programs in the D.A.R.E. curriculum use law enforcement as educators and positive role models. They teach students about drug abuse prevention and build trust and positivity between law enforcement and the public.

Often, D.A.R.E. programs feature officer-led classroom lessons with a curriculum designed for K-12 students. They use an integrated approach to tackle tough topics like drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping, with each lesson building upon the last.

D.A.R.E. lessons are derived from SMART, an anti-drug program developed by the University of Southern California. However, police officers in uniform deliver the D.A.R.E. lessons instead of teachers. In many programs, police officers spend time with students enjoying recreational activities or engaging in conversation.

D.A.R.E. Reach, Impact, and Reform

D.A.R.E. was one of the most popular drug education and prevention school programs in the 1980s and 1990s. It was active in 75% of school districts and had government funding.[3] However, its popularity and growth were more beneficial for profits and merchandising opportunities than the intended purpose—to prevent drug abuse.

Scientific studies in the 1990s and 2000s revealed that that program wasn’t effective for its intended purpose. One study showed that D.A.R.E. provided solid drug use prevention information, but that didn’t translate to impact on drug use.[4] Some other studies found the program to be ineffective, or worse, may nurture and encourage drug use.[5]

A 2009 analysis of existing data from Texas A&M revealed that the program’s data may not be reliable.[6] D.A.R.E. is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which requires drug prevention programs to be demonstrably effective to continue providing funds. When D.A.R.E. wasn’t proven effective, the program was revised to D.A.R.E. Keepin’ it REAL.

New D.A.R.E. Program

The revision of the D.A.R.E. program sought to fix the problems of its predecessor, including establishing an oversight board, DARE America.[7] DARE America is a nonprofit organization comprising substance abuse and prevention specialists that evaluates the program based on continued efficacy studies instead of political gains.

Keepin’ it REAL stands for Refuse, Explain, Avoid, Leave. This revised program focuses on improving decision-making and communication skills through role-playing activities, peer interaction, support networks, mental health, and skill-building exercises focusing on coping skills. These activities are similar to those used in addiction recovery.

The new D.A.R.E. program uses 10 45-minute lessons with lectures and situational videos that provide an interactive experience. This differs from the old program, which used 45-minute lectures on the dangers of drug use by a speaker. Some of the time spent in the Keepin’ it REAL sessions is used for role-playing in groups.

Another change to the new program is REAL, a curriculum designed to reach at-risk groups. It offers rural, multicultural, and Spanish versions to target communities the predecessor may have overlooked.

Is the New D.A.R.E. Effective?

D.A.R.E. Keepin’ it REAL is a science—and evidence-based curriculum that improves on the previous program and seeks to fix its mistakes. The new program prioritizes peer interactions and developments in addiction science rather than fear-based or profit-motivated lesson plans. The oversight from DARE America, which includes substance abuse and prevention specialists, keeps the latest science at the forefront of the program.

Two field randomized controlled trials revealed that the multicultural version of Keepin’ it REAL has been effective in reducing substance use across different ethnic groups and grade levels.[8,9] This demonstrates that approaching drug abuse prevention with consideration for the unique cultural values, norms, and beliefs is important.

Is D.A.R.E. Enough?

The reformed Keepin’ it REAL program has shown good results, but more work must be done. Preventing drug abuse and addiction requires a comprehensive, nuanced approach that considers all the factors in addiction – including parental supervision, parental drug abuse, family history, substance-using peers, lack of school connectedness, genetic and individual factors, and more.

Based on research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), early use of drugs increases the chances of becoming addicted.[10] Drug use changes the brain and may lead to addiction. Preventing drug abuse before it starts – or treating abuse when it happens – can prevent these changes that lead to addiction.

Another factor is stress in times of transition, which can affect both children and adults. Children go through many major changes from kindergarten to graduation, which can bring new social circles and experiences that can encourage experimentation with drugs. Some students are first introduced to drug culture in college as they meet new people from different backgrounds.

Keepin’ it REAL and other programs can produce positive results based on research-based or evidence-based curricula. However, there needs to be ongoing research and work to prevent drug use on the individual, family, school, and community levels.

How to Prevent Drug Use in Adolescents

Adolescence is a vulnerable time for drug use and experimentation. However, parents and caregivers can make a big difference in whether children try drugs. Here are some tips:

• Be open and honest about drug use
• Encourage questions and have an open discussion without judgment or punishment
• Build children’s self-confidence
• Discuss the dangers of peer pressure and assure your child that they don’t need to use drugs to gain acceptance
• Encourage healthy hobbies and activities
• Set a strong example by staying drug-free

Addressing Drug Addiction Beyond D.A.R.E.

Keepin’ it REAL is showing promise and correcting the past mistakes of D.A.R.E., but an educational program isn’t enough to stop drug use and addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug abuse or addiction, seek help to get on a healthier path.