DRUG WATCH (continued)
WHAT TO SAY TO SOMEONE EXPERIENCING ALCOHOL OR DRUG PROBLEMS
* Plan ahead what you want to say and how you want to say it.
* Pick a quiet and private time to talk.
* Don’t try to talk about the problem when the person is “high” or drunk.
* Use a calm voice and don’t get into an argument.
* Let the person know that you care.
* Find out about local hot-lines and drug abuse counseling, and offer to go with them.
* Don’t expect the person to like what you’re saying. But stick with it – the more people who express concern, the better the chances of the person getting help.
* Remember, it’s not your job to get people to stop using drugs. Only they can decide to stop.
FIGHTING DRUGS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
* Send a message to drug dealers that drugs will not be tolerated in your community. Marches, vigils, and rallies are example of this strategy.
* You may upon your request, report drug activity to the police anonymously.
* Create a safer environment by improving lighting, repairing buildings, boarding up abandoned buildings, removing abandoned vehicles, and clearing vacant lots.
* Organize block watch groups.
* Pressure landlords to evict drug dealers.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
* Churches can provide residents with space to meet, and ministers can also be a source of support.
* Businesses can provide goods and services to support drug prevention efforts.
* Law enforcement can work with residents to increase reporting, arrests and prosecutions and to use existing laws to close drug houses.
* Court Watch allows volunteer citizens to attend court proceedings to ensure that criminals are prosecuted.
* Schools can enter into partnerships with community residents by expanding drug prevention education programs.
To be successful, grass-roots drug prevention efforts must engage community residents in identifying and addressing their own problems and setting their own goals.