Prevention Education: Drugs, Alcohol and Gangs

Teens are looking for self-identity, as well as love and acceptance from peers and adults. When unable to find these by healthy means, teens become highly susceptible to pressure to partake in drug and gang activity. NWFS’ prevention education seeks to provide positive alternatives. In the process, we educate about what a commitment to a healthy and happy future must involve. Any commitment to healthy behaviors must include a plan to stay away from illegal and mind-altering substances as well as gangs and informal peer groups that make a habit of drug use, violence, or intimidation.

New research into the teen brain has highlighted key development in areas such as rational decision-making skills and the ability to see long-term consequences that occur during the teen years. Alcohol and drug use can severely limit this development. Research also shows that involvement with drugs and alcohol is related to teen sexual behavior. Teens who drink are more likely to engage in sexual activity than teens who do not drink and alcohol is the primary date rape drug. Clearly, a commitment to healthy behaviors must include a concrete desire to avoid drug and alcohol use.

Teen involvement with gangs is a very real and growing problem and one that is not limited to male youth. Girls are also becoming involved with gangs and gang activities and their involvement often comes with bullying, sexual expectations, and abuse. Gang prevention programs seek to educate youth about the true nature of gangs and offer alternatives to gang involvement. When teens recognize their futures, identify the goals they can achieve, and form positive connections, they are on the road to making good choices. NWFS gang prevention programs cover these issues (drugs, alcohol, sex) and include information and activities specifically geared toward at-risk teens who are susceptible to gang involvement.