The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) curriculum is a structured, evidence-based program designed to educate students about substance abuse prevention while building essential life skills. Delivered over a 10-week period, the program equips young people with the knowledge, confidence, and strategies they need to resist drugs and make positive decisions.

Program Structure & Delivery

The curriculum consists of 10 lessons, each lasting between 40 to 45 minutes. These lessons are thoughtfully crafted to engage students actively in the learning process. Using a variety of teaching methods—including group discussions, role-plays, pair activities, and interactive games—DARE encourages meaningful interaction both among students and between students and instructors.

Each lesson follows a clear outline, supported by activity sheets and homework assignments that reinforce the skills learned in class. Starting from the second lesson, students also review key concepts from previous sessions, helping to deepen their understanding and retention. Teachers can assess student progress through performance on worksheets, enabling tailored support where needed.

Interactive & Student-Centered Learning

A hallmark of the DARE program is its focus on making learning enjoyable and relevant. Lessons incorporate videos created by youth, featuring real stories from students to provide authentic examples and foster connection. These stories illustrate the challenges and successes peers face when confronted with substance use decisions, making the material relatable and impactful.

Students are encouraged to practice the core REAL resistance strategies: Refuse, Explain, Avoid, and Leave. Through role-playing and other activities, participants gain hands-on experience applying these techniques in everyday situations. This approach builds not only knowledge but also the confidence to act decisively when faced with peer pressure or risky scenarios.

Building Life Skills For Long-Term Success

Beyond teaching about drugs and alcohol, the DARE curriculum emphasizes the development of broader social and emotional skills. Students learn how to make informed decisions, plan ahead, communicate assertively, and value their own perceptions and feelings. These skills empower youth to take ownership of their choices and maintain drug-free lifestyles.

The program also encourages students to recognize and avoid risky situations related to substance use. By fostering strong decision-making and refusal abilities, DARE helps reduce the likelihood of alcohol, cigarette, and drug use among participants.

Measuring Impact & Outcomes

The effectiveness of the DARE curriculum is tracked through self-reported surveys completed by students before the program begins and at multiple points afterward—specifically, two, eight, and fourteen months post-completion. These surveys assess the frequency and quantity of substance use, providing valuable data to demonstrate the program’s positive influence on reducing risky behaviors.

Accessibility & Resources

To ensure inclusivity, DARE provides a range of instructional materials, including overhead transparencies, in-class worksheets, and Spanish-language resources. This commitment allows the curriculum to be accessible to diverse student populations, supporting equitable learning opportunities.

The DARE curriculum stands as a proven, comprehensive approach to substance abuse prevention, fostering resilience and healthy decision-making in young people. By blending engaging activities with evidence-based strategies, the program helps youth confidently navigate challenges and build a foundation for a healthy, drug-free future.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.