Scientology Churches Sponsor Effective Anti-Drug Program

The Church of Scientology International European Office for Public Affairs and Human Rights supports the work Scientology churches around the world are doing to combat drug abuse and help young people live drug-free lives.

In 1993, concerned by statistics showing that youth were starting to take drugs at younger and younger ages, the Church of Scientology International created a program to help proof young people up against pro-drug peer pressure and propaganda and help them stay off drugs. The result was the Drug-Free Marshals program. This program provides young people with lectures, booklets and flyers that give the facts about drugs. The youngsters are awarded marshals’ badges when they pledge to live drug-free lives and they are encouraged to spread the word and take responsibility for their friends and their schools.

The Drug-Free Marshals program begun in Los Angeles, California, proved so popular that Scientology churches around the world formed chapters. Throughout Europe the groups go by the slogan, “Say No to Drugs–Say Yes to Life!.” In New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Taiwan they are known as the Drug-Free Ambassadors, and in the UK they are called the Drug-Free Kids.

These anti-drug groups hold concerts, man info stands, do syringe pick-ups, anti-drug marathons and are featured on radio and TV shows where they let young people know the truth about drugs.

Over one hundred thousand children and teenagers have now taken the drug-free pledge and more than 525,000 anti-drug booklets and 5,600,000 flyers against drugs have been distributed internationally.