The Church of Scientology International and the Foundation for a Drug-Free World today called for parents, educators, and community groups to strike back at widespread drug abuse and crime by initiating strategies for drug demand reduction. The appeal was made at National Night Out meetings across the nation, to heighten awareness of the importance of education in the prevention of crime, drugs and violence.
 | A Volunteer at National Night Out in New York City, with copies of The Truth About Drugs, a booklet published by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. |
According to the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, there are 25 million "problem" drug abusers internationally and although its 2007 World Drug Report noted that illicit drug abuse leveled off in some areas, prescription drug abuse is on the rise. U.S. crime statistics show that subsequent to widespread drug abuse that began in the 1960s, violent crime has rocketed by 500% while the population increased by only 75%. A 2004 Office of National Drug Control Policy study calculated the cost of drug abuse in America at a staggering $180.9 billion, with almost 60% related to crime.
"Drugs directly undermine the quality of life of every citizen and the safety of our communities," said Wendy Beccaccini, the Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life Program Coordinator for the Church of Scientology International. "To reduce crime, people must know the dangers of drug use and abuse and then widespread demand reduction will occur."
Churches of Scientology have engaged in anti-drug activities for more than 20 years through the community program Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life, which includes the Drug-Free Marshals youth program and features drug education lectures and booklets. In October 2006, the new Foundation for a Drug-Free World was formed to bring about widespread secular distribution of the successful Say No to Drugs materials.
 | On the opposite coast a volunteer in San Jose urges people to sign an anti-drug pledge. |
"Much of the information about drugs that youth and adults alike are exposed to is based on rumor and hype that totally misses the real story," said Pascal Cottier, a director of the Foundation. "Our materials fill a void, providing straightforward information based on published reports and studies. When people have the facts, they can make intelligent decisions about drugs and they won't be fooled." The Foundation provides drug education kits and individual booklets on commonly abused drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, Ritalin, OxyCotin, heroin, methamphetamine, LSD and Ecstasy. The recently released 2006 "Monitoring the Future" survey reports that 48% of 12th graders have tried illicit drugs. In the U.S., marijuana is so broadly used that a recent study found 58% of users receive marijuana for free from their friends.
"Ignorance breeds mistakes and bad choices and the lack of readily available, easy to understand facts about drugs is destroying our quality of life," said Beccaccini. "Support of the work of law enforcement in circumventing drug trafficking and violence means every individual getting smart about drugs. Knowledge is power and it will bring about demand reduction."
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