Drug-Free Tennessee
in partnership with the Church of Scientology Nashville is holding a drug
prevention and educational event during Red Ribbon Week, a national initiative
to promote drug prevention and awareness.  Tennessee
consistently ranks in the top five US states in terms of substance abuse rates,
according to a report from lakeviewhealth.com. The website further describes
that despite the rise in opioid addictions, alcohol abuse statistics have
remained stable, so alcohol is still the most commonly abused substance in
Tennessee. In fact, more than 60 percent of patients who enter state drug
treatment programs seek treatment for alcohol addiction and about 1 in 20
Tennessee residents abused or were dependent on alcohol in 2016. The website
describes opioid abuse, specifically pointing out that oxycodone and
hydrocodone are the most commonly abused of painkillers. Although physicians
legally prescribe them, these medications often end up on the black market,
which has led to a surge in drug related crimes in Tennessee. Opioid overdoses
have become so widespread that the Tennessee General Assembly has permitted
pharmacies to carry naloxone, a medication used to negate the effects of an
opioid overdose until the patient receives professional treatment. To protect youth
from the disastrous effects of abusing these and other drugs, Scientologists
and others are teaming up with Drug-Free Tennessee to bring the truth about
drugs to young people during Red Ribbon Week. “This year is
especially significant for Drug-Free Tennessee, as it is celebrating its 15th
anniversary this month,” says Julie Brinker, an ambassador for the
organization, “We’re excited that we’ve been helping people for 15 years to learn
the devastating effects of drugs and be able to make informed decisions.”   Red Ribbon Week is a
week-long celebration at the end of October to promote a drug-free lifestyle.
The Red Ribbon has been worn as a symbol since 1985 when DEA Agent Enrique
“Kiki” Camarena was murdered. Angered parents and youth in communities across
the country began wearing Red Ribbons to show their commitment to raise
awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America.  Volunteers will join
with Drug-Free Tennessee for educational events and to distribute copies of The
Truth About Drugs, a booklet that helps young people understand what drugs are
and how they affect the user. Additionally, DFT is holding an event to promote a
drug-free lifestyle.  Drug-Free Tennessee
is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international
non-profit organization. Its materials demonstrate the dangers of drugs through
factual information and interviews with former addicts giving personal
perspectives on each of the substances covered. For more information on the
Truth About Drugs, visit drugfreeworld.org. For more information on the Church
of Scientology and its programs, visit Scientology.org.