It is a fact that peer pressure is a tremendous force in determining individual behavior. At Narconon we learned early on that peer training would go a long way to solving problems of drug abuse long before it starts. Peer leaders are a tremendous resource, and with the proper training are very effective in educating their peers on substance abuse and other subjects.

In order to take advantage of this fact the Narconon Peer Leader Training Program has been developed and refined over many years. Students are trained on the skills which enable them to become competent leaders amongst their peers. They are, additionally, trained in the methods of drug abuse prevention. Combining these skills they are then encouraged to take an active role in working with their peers to combat substance abuse. The first, and most important thing which is accomplished in this program is the instillation of a true desire to help their fellows. Once this is accomplished the peer trainee is taught how to show that life is better without drugs. This is accomplished through a series of exercises and lessons in communication and listening skills. Training in the nurturing of interpersonal relationships and means of relaying information on alcohol and other drugs to other children in such a way as to have that information absorbed and inspected is stressed.

As with any other pursuit involving relationships with others, the development of excellent communication skills is paramount. Our students participate in training exercises aimed at increasing ability to capture and focus attention, face and address issues they might otherwise shy away from, develop and sharpen listening skills, relay communication accurately and effectively. All of this depends on one most important factor – the peer leader must have his own confidence level raised to one of complte certainty.
Before being designated a Peer Leader the student is required to demonstrate complete competence in the relay of information to their peers.

The second segment of the drug education training program involves gaining learning skills which enhance the student’s ability to work with people of different ages and literacy levels so that they can overcome the barriers to communicating information to them.
No two programs are identical in content. Each program is specifically tailored to the needs of the particular group, taking into consideration such factors as the group’s purpose, goals and activities. Emphasis is placed on creating a more functional group that will become, and remain more active in the school and community. The above skills are then applied to the specific theme of the program. Some of the specialized programs available are:

• Leadership skills and positive role models
• Conducting effective community projects
• Alcohol and drug education
• Violence prevention and mitigation
• Public speaking

Drug Educator Training Workshops

In addition to its peer training programs, Narconon also provides training programs for drug educators. Narconon objectives were developed to provide skills involving the primary methods and tools used in the Narconon program, so that professional educators can take advantage of the classroom setting in imparting proper, effective drug abuse education to their students.

More comprehensive training is also available at the Narconon International Drug Rehab Training Center, located in Canadian, Oklahoma.

• Never ‘Too Much’ info About the risks of DXM Abuse: … This is where educating both our youth and parents about the dangers of DXM abuse and drug addiction comprise of the utmost importance,” stated Ms. Poole. “Narconon Arrowhead fully supports any organization promoting drug education and prevention. John Bitinas, Narconon Arrowhead’s drug prevention and education specialist, travels across the nation delivering drug education and prevention presentations to schools throughout America.
• Narconon Saves Life of Addict: His family seeing Paul get increasingly self-destructive, running into legal problems and losing his job contacted Narconon. Paul started the Narconon program, and for the 1st time felt there was hope. “Knowing I was entering treatment was my first sense of relief in a long time,” says Paul reflecting back one year after finishing Narconon drug treatment.
• Narconon Drug Education for Red Ribbon Week: John’s lectures are so successful, because he knows drugs from the dark side up. He’s been there and lived it. John, in his youth was hooked to cocaine and endured his own battle with drug abuse which seemed to have no solution until his parents brought him to a Narconon drug rehabilitation program.
• Narconon Join Forces with Local Businesses to Fight the Drug Threat: Local businesses are opening their doors to the public for the presentations, which are based on materials from Narconon’s drug education and rehabilitation programs. Narconon is an international non-profit organization that has been providing effective drug rehabilitation and prevention help for over 40 years.
• Narconon Freedom Center Opens Its Doors In Observance Of Red Ribbon Week: Narconon since 1966, with its over 120 centers, has been an organization devoted to the elimination of drug abuse through drug prevention, drug education and drug rehabilitation worldwide. During Red Ribbon Week all Narconon centers, including Narconon Freedom Center will put additional focus on drug education and prevention in order to stop drug abuse before it starts.
• Narconon Freedom Center Plays critical Role in Preventing Substance Abuse and Reducing Costs: In addition, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health, a number of national studies and issued reports point out that the deliberate abuse of prescription drugs, such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives, to get high is a growing concern especially amongst teens. What this comes up to is simple. Adolescents and teens addicted today become tomorrow’s loss and the costs of these losses are born by all of us. The answer is Narconon; a entirely drug-free rehabilitation program in Michigan that effectively stops addiction.

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