Ella Ratliff
St. Anne Catholic School
D.A.R.E. Essay
Did you know that alcohol goes to your bloodstream and can cause a coma or death? That is bad! I learned this fact in D.A.R.E. The D.A.R.E. program taught me about the the effects of alcohol, solving problems, and how to resist drugs and alcohol. Now I know that I should never use drugs and I should help to persuade others not to.
First, I learned that alcohol is terrible for you. It causes loss of self-control and can damage every organ in your body. The abuse of alcohol also leads to memory loss, loss of coordination, poor judgment, and slow reflexes. Alcohol abuse also harms your family. I don't think anyone wants that, especially me.
Another thing I learned in D.A.R.E. was how to solve problems. First you need to define the problem. Next, you assess your choices, then you respond, and lastly you evaluate your decision. This is the D.A.R.E. decision making model. We use it in D.A.R.E. all the time. If you don't understand the problem then talk it over with your parents. Ask them what is best for you.
Resistance strategies can help you in sticky situations. I learned all the strategies in the D.A.R.E. program. Some of these strategies include strength in numbers, changing the subject, saying no and giving a reason, walking away, and avoiding the situation. Let's say someone wants you to smoke with them give them a reason not to and walk away. That's probably what I would do.
Not drinking alcohol, solving problems, and resisting drugs and alcohol are all things that can help you through life. The D.A.R.E. program is something every state and every continent should have. My honest opinion is that this is the most amazing program ever. I love it and think it will help me a lot in life. Thank You Lieutenant Chris Whitt and Mrs. Grunstra for helping me learn everything I need to know about drugs and alcohol abuse.
I, Ella Ratliff pledge to never use harmful things, or abuse drugs. If I ever think about using them, I will think again. If others think of using them, I will persuade them not to.