The D.A.R.E. Program: A Hipster’s Take on the War Against Drugs
Since 1983, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, also known as D.A.R.E., has been on a mission to educate kids about the dangers of substance abuse through science and evidence-based curricula. But is it really making a difference? A recent documentary by Channel 5, featuring the one and only Andrew Callaghan, delves into the controversial topic and exposes the failure of the War on Drugs.
Callaghan, known for his bold and unapologetic style, attended D.A.R.E.’s annual conference in Las Vegas last July. And let’s just say, things got real. With over 500 attendees, including D.A.R.E. officers from all over the country, the conference was a hotbed of discussions and debates.
And the Award Goes to…
Part of the conference was dedicated to recognizing outstanding individuals in the D.A.R.E. community. Mark Gilmore, from Kosciusko, Mississippi, was named the 2023 D.A.R.E. Student of the Year, while Alex Mendoza of the Irvine Police Department was crowned the 2023 D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year.
But it was Gilmore’s comments that caught Callaghan’s attention. As a D.A.R.E. officer, Gilmore takes pride in his ability to catch any student in possession of drugs, even if it’s just a tiny bit of weed. Talk about dedication.
Shifting the Approach
Callaghan also sat down with Mendoza, the 2022 D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year, to discuss the program’s approach to drug prevention. Mendoza believes that it’s all about educating the youth and giving them the tools to navigate their struggles without turning to drugs.
“For me, it’s really about educating the youth that are out there,” Mendoza said. “To give them the tools necessary to navigate whatever pain that they’re going through. I think that if you don’t have that self-love for yourself and that resiliency, then you’re gonna go to that external source, whatever that might be.”
But what about alcohol? Callaghan asked. Mendoza didn’t hold back, stating that alcohol is indeed a gateway drug. And while he does drink occasionally, he believes in moderation and shared a personal example of having a drink at his daughter’s wedding.
The Gateway Debate
Callaghan didn’t shy away from addressing the controversial topic of whether cannabis should be treated in the same way as alcohol. Mendoza expressed his concerns, citing statistics that suggest marijuana can be more dangerous than tobacco products.
However, he also acknowledged that there are instances where cannabis is used for medicinal purposes. “I think the problem that you run into is that you have the people that truly legitimately have a need and a purpose behind it and will use it to help them navigate their pain,” Mendoza explained.
He shared a personal experience of his brother-in-law using THC to manage his pain during his battle with cancer. And while it helped him, Mendoza recognizes that there are also those who use it as an excuse for recreational purposes.
So, is cannabis really a gateway drug? The debate continues, but one thing is for sure – D.A.R.E. and its officers are dedicated to educating and protecting our youth from the dangers of substance abuse. And that’s something we can all cheers to.
