THE D.A.R.E. DIFFERENCE

D.A.R.E. has become the premiere substance abuse program in the world today. D.A.R.E.'s impact on reducing substance abuse among young people is well documented both in terms of quantitative research studies verifying D.A.R.E.'s successes and in terms of real-life experiences of D.A.R.E. students. More than 20 studies from around the country cite D.A.R.E. as an excellent substance abuse prevention program. Many of these studies clearly demonstrate D.A.R.E.'s effectiveness in preventing drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.

A 1993 Gallup survey of D.A.R.E. graduates aged 11-18 revealed that 93% have never tried drugs, 75% have never tried a cigarette, and 70% have never tried alcohol. More than 90% of D.A.R.E. graduates surveyed said they believe D.A.R.E. has helped them avoid drugs and alcohol, increase their self- confidence and deal effectively with peer pressure.

D.A.R.E. has been praised by presidential administrations, governors, members of congress, and state legislators. Since 1988, one day each year has been declared National D.A.R.E. Day by Presidential Proclamation. State legislatures have joined with the President and Congress by proclaiming D.A.R.E. Day within their respective states.

The D.A.R.E. program has proven so successful that it is now taught in communities in all 50 states, United States' territories and possessions, and Department of Defense Dependents Schools around the world. D.A.R.E. has also been adopted by 52 other nations including Colombia, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Brazil, Hungary, England, the Philippine Islands and many of the Caribbean Island nations.

Some interesting facts:
With the money spent incarcerating one inmate, D.A.R.E. can educate over 3,300 children per year.

In the time it takes to read this sentence, we've spent $1.20 for an inmate to sit in his prison cell.

Drugs in the workplace cost American industry an estimated $250 billion per year.

Every five minutes, an American smokes cocaine. In those same five minutes, D.A.R.E. has educated over 235 students about the dangers of illegal drugs.