Fifth and sixth graders are the program's primary focus. Studies indicates that children in these grades are most responsive to prevention education, because most have not yet been introduced to controlled substances. A Serious Problem D.A.R.E. was initiated because of the alarming increase in drug use. Unfortunately, use of controlled substances is not confined only to the criminal element. Drug abuse is a serious problem plaguing more and more young people every year.
Drugs impair emotional growth and learning.
Statistics show that 1 in 16 high school students smoke marijuna daily. O.A.D.A.P., the New Hampshire Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, reports the average age of a first time user is 15 years old. Many people in their early twenties talk of being burned out because of excessive drug use during their teenage years. Resistance Education D.A.R.E. is a new approach to educating young people. Based on recent research, the traditional scare tactics that preach the harm of drug abuse are de-emphasized.