Tiama Watson looked into the coffin and saw something she didn't expect" her own reflection. She and 300 other middle school students were participating in an event called "Drug Store". Launched by the University of Alabama in 1993, the program includes several interactive situations that address the seriousness of drug use.

"Groups of students traveled into nine tents set out along the Dunsmuir grounds. Within each tent, students were put in real-life situations... scenes included students seeing a classmate get peer pressured into taking and overdosing on Ecstasy, a mock-emergency-room scenario, and funeral services."

The "scared straight"-style seems to work. Many of the students expressed a first-time understanding that drug use affects not only the user, but his or her friends and family as well. Drug Store programs are available nationwide. Learn more online.

Posted By: Lori S