Dare Essay

The D.A.R.E. program has been very interesting, fun and important for me this year. It is so important to stop children before they start using drugs or using violence to solve their problems. The D.A.R.E. program is taught in all fifty states and all different countries. It has been in effect since 1983 and I believe it is a very good and helpful program.

The information we learned, taught me how risky it is to just try out drugs, cigarettes or alcohol. I learned that alcohol doesn't only hurt the one who is doing the drinking. I also learned that there are many ways to say, "No to Drinking". Mixing alcohol with other drugs or medication is also unhealthy. Then I learned that alcohol slows the brain and central nervous system. Lastly, I learned that alcohol affects the growing body of a teenager more than the body of an adult. Marijuana is another dangerous drug. Marijuana users have an increased risk of cancer and have more colds and upper respiratory problems. Also, marijuana is illegal in the United States. There is more tar in marijuana smoke than in tobacco, it causes breathing problems and can be very addictive. Tobacco is also a dangerous drug. It is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18. There are more than 200 known poisons in tobacco. Smoking cigarettes is a gross and nasty habit. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a powerful substance that causes addiction. Smoking is the #1 cause of lung cancer and 400,000 people die each year from smoking. Also, smoking can cause yellow teeth and smelly breath. Lastly, if you play sports and smoke you could suffer from shortness of breath and dizziness.

In conclusion, the skills that I've learned have helped me resist the temptation of trying drugs. I also believe that the examples set by my older siblings will help me. The D.A.R.E. program has been a great success in my family already.