Church of Scientology of Spain Backs National Drug Prevention Strategy
Throughout the year, Scientologists provide drug education to reduce drug demand through education.
A study published in February 2014 in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that cocaine users admitted for drug abuse treatment in Spain suffer a fatality rate 5.1 times higher than the general population. Drug prevention volunteers from the National Church of Scientology of Spain have mobilized to tackle this situation.
Spain is Europe’s main entry point for cocaine, and is the country’s second most popular illegal drug. More than 10 percent of the population has used cocaine at least once and the drug is particularly popular with those 15-34.
The most frequently consumed illegal drug in Spain is hashish (cannabis resin) according to the United Nations World Drug Report, likely because of Spain’s geographical proximity to Morocco, one of the world’s main cannabis resin producers. Some 27 percent of Spain’s population has used cannabis at least once and the percentage of cannabis consumers has almost doubled since 1995. A summary compiled by Euronews shows that some 13 percent of those 15-17 have used this drug at least once in the last year.
The Spanish National Drug Strategy 2009-2016 includes the reduction of demand through education, an activity wholeheartedly supported by the Church of Scientology. Each week, volunteers from the Church of Scientology of Spain distribute hundreds of copies of The Truth About Drugs educational booklets, targeting those most likely to abuse.
Euronews also notes that on average, Spanish youth begin consuming cannabis at 18 and cocaine, Ecstasy and amphetamines at 20. Consumption of “legal narcotics” (prescription drug abuse) begins much later, at 34. Therefore, the volunteers are devoted to spreading the truth about drugs to the youth of their country.
Spanish Scientologists are part of a worldwide movement to eradicate drug abuse before it begins, by educating youth on the truth about drugs, providing them with the factual information they need to decide to live drug-free lives.
The Church of Scientology supports The Truth About Drugs initiative, one of the world’s largest nongovernmental drug education and prevention campaigns.
It has been conclusively proven that when young people are provided with the truth about drugs—factual information on what drugs are and what they do—usage rates drop commensurately.
The Church of Scientology has published a brochure, Scientology: How We Help—The Truth About Drugs, Creating a Drug-Free World, to meet requests for more information about the drug education and prevention initiative the Church supports. To learn more or read the brochure, visit the Scientology website.
Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “The planet has hit a barrier which prevents any widespread social progress—drugs and other biochemical substances. These can put people into a condition which not only prohibits and destroys physical health but which can prevent any stable advancement in mental or spiritual well-being.”