Church of Scientology Says Drug Abuse Can Only Be Prevented By Working Together

The Church of Scientology in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee, held a breakfast meeting on drug prevention for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

“When it comes to preventing drug abuse, we can only make great strides if we all work together,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT).

Aiming for an international society free of drug abuse, the United Nations named June 26th as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. So on this day, the Church of Scientology in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee, held “Drug Abuse: Preventing It Together,” beginning with a breakfast at 8:00 am.

During the event, speakers who have been on the drug-prevention battlefield spoke about current issues, and valuable resources to help others live drug-free. One captain with Metro Nashville Police brought the statistic that so far in 2018, there have been 98 drug overdose deaths in Davidson County alone. “But even just one would be too much,” he said.

All of those around the table agreed that a community-wide effort is needed, with all shoulders to the wheel and everyone concerned helping. “Drug abuse is preventable, if we all come together and help. We all have resources and we all have needs, let’s work together in this fight,” said Rev. Fesler.

In 1987, the United Nations established the International Day with resolution 42/112. Their very next resolution, 42/113 stated that the UN General Assembly, “…Taking into account the need to reaffirm the effectiveness of human, moral and spiritual values for preventing the consumption of narcotic drugs, at the national and international levels, through information, guidance and educational activities… Calls upon the Governments of countries facing problems of drug abuse, particularly those most seriously affected, as part of their national strategy, to take the necessary measures to reduce significantly the illicit demand for drugs and psychotropic substances with the aim of creating in society a deep respect for its own health, fitness and well-being and to provide appropriate information and advice for all sectors of their communities with regard to drug abuse, its harmful effects and the way in which appropriate community action can be promoted.”

DFT is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, which is based in Los Angeles and has as its mission to educate people about the dangerous effects of drugs so they understand and can make informed choices on the subject. Rev. Fesler says, “There is a need in our communities to educate everyone on drugs, drugs impact all our lives in one way or another. That’s why we work with others so people can get a complete overview.” For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee, visit drugfreetn.org.