DARE Program

Dudley Police DARE All-Stars

Boston Bruins Alumni

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WHAT IS D.A.R.E. ?

D.A.R.E. was originally developed in 1983 by the Los Angeles Police Department in conjunction with the United School district. Based on the premise that prevention is the only long-term answer to drug abuse, the program grew to include all 50 states and many countries abroad. In the Dudley Police Departmen t, D.A.R.E. is a strong presence, creating a positive atmosphere for students to interact with uniformed law enforcement officers. You can contact, via email, the Dudley Police Department D.A.R.E. Sergeant Dean Poplawski simply by clicking on his name.

The focus of D.A.R.E. is to:

Provide accurate information about drugs and alcohol
Teach students the necessary decision-making skills
Show students how to resist negative peer pressure
Suggest healthy alternatives to drug use
Build confidence and self esteem

The D.A.R.E. program is designed to avoid scare tactics. Positive and substantive, it relies on accurate information and an upbeat approach. D.A.R.E. officers visit with students in the classroom, conduct faculty workshops and present programs to teacher/parent organizations. This approach provides a constructive and highly visible presence to the students involved in D.A.R.E. and to the community. The implementation of the D.A.R.E. program has led to the educated students facing an uncertain world armed with the knowledge that drug abuse is a destructive cycle. The undeniable success this program has already generated insures its place in our society. Until drug abuse is a thing of the past, D.A.R.E. will continue to be in the forefront of preventative measures.

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RECOGNIZING DRUG USE

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

There are many signs and symptoms that go along with substance use and abuse. The following list describes some of the changes you may see take place. In and of themselves, the symptoms may not mean a thing. However, if you see several of them, consider it a warning flag and seek further help.

Physical Symptoms

	Acting intoxicated
	Bloodshot or red eyes, droopy eyelids
	Imprecise eye movement
	Wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times
	Abnormally pale complexion
	Change in speech patterns and vocabulary patterns
	Repressed physical development
	Sudden appetite, especially for sweets
	Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
	Neglect of personal appearance, grooming

Behavioral Problems

	Unexplained periods of moodiness, depression, anxiety or irritability
	Strongly inappropriate overreaction to mild criticism or simple requests
	Decreased interaction and communication with others
	Preoccupation with self, less concern for the feelings of others
	Loss of interest in previously important things, such as hobbies and sports
	Loss of motivation and enthusiasm
	Lethargy, lack of energy and vitality
	Loss of ability to assume responsibility
	Need for instant gratification
	Changes in values, ideas, beliefs
	Change in friends, unwillingness to introduce friends to family
	Curfew violations
	Large sums of money

School Changes

	Decline in academic performance, drop in grades
	Reduced short-term memory, concentration and attention span
	Loss of motivation, interest, participation in school activities, energy
	Frequent tardiness and absenteeism
	Less interest in participation in classes and meetings
	Sleeping in class or meetings
	Untidy appearance, dress, personal hygiene
	Slow to respond, forgetful, apathetic
	Increased discipline, behavioral problems
	Change in peer group
	Disappearance of money or items of value

Physical Evidence

	Odor of marijuana (like burnt rope) in room or on clothing
	Incense or room deodorizers
	Eye drops, mouthwash
	Marijuana cigarettes (rolled and twisted at each end)
	Powders, seeds, leaves, plants, mushrooms
	Capsules or tablets
	Cigarette rolling papers
	Pipes, pipe filters, screens, strainers
	"Roach" clips (metal clips to hold the butt of the marijuana joint)
	"Bongs," water pipes (usually glass or plastic)
	Small spoons, straws, razor blades, mirrors (for use with cocaine)
	Stash cans (soft drink, beer, deodorant and other cans that unscrew)
	Unfamiliar small containers or locked boxes
	Plastic baggies or small glass vials
	Drug-related books, magazines, comics

It is important to stress that these are possible but not conclusive signs of drug use.

For information on specific drugs, link to Drug Free America here!

STAYING STREET SMART ON THE WEB

PARENTING SKILL TIPS

15 Ways To Help Children Like Themselves

Reward children. Give praise, recognition, a special privilege or increased responsibility for a job well done. Emphasize the good things they do, not the bad.
Take their ideas, emotions and feelings seriously. Don't belittle them by saying, "You'll grow out of it" or "It's not as bad as you think."
Define limits and rules clearly, and enforce them. But do allow leeway for you children within these limits.
Be a good role model. Let your children know that you feel good about yourself. Also let them see that you too can make mistakes and can learn from them.
Teach your children how to deal with time and money. Help them spend time wisely and budget their money carefully.
Have reasonably expectations for your children. Help them to set reachable goals so they can achieve success.
Help your children develop tolerance towards those with different values, backgrounds and norms. Point out other people's strengths.
Give your children responsibility. They will feel useful and valued.
Be available. Give support when children need it.
Show them that what they do is important to you. Talk with them about their activities and interests. Go to their games, parent's day at school, drama presentations, awards ceremonies.
Express your values, but go beyond "do this" or "I want you to do that." Describe the experiences that determined your values, the decisions you made to accept certain beliefs, the reasons behind your feelings.
Spend time together. Share favorite activities.
Discuss problems without placing blame or commenting on a child's character. If children know that there is a problem but don't feel attacked, they are more likely to look for a solution.
Use phrases that build self-esteem, such as, "Thank you for helping" or "That was an excellent idea!" Avoid phrases that hurt self-esteem, "Why are you so stupid?", "How many times have I told you?"
Show how much you care about them. Hug them. Tell them they are terrific and that you love them