Despite these problems, the menace of drugs can be fought. Education is the first
line of attack. Children need to be taught at home and in school about the dangers of
drug abuse. For example, discussions around the dinner table and during family outings
and school programs and activities in health classes can give children information to help
them deal with temptations and questions about drug use. Families and counselors need
to talk to those at risk and help them resist experimenting with illicit drugs. Another
approach to the problem of drug abuse is to increase police manpower and resources to
stop dealers and to enforce the law. Statistics show the bigger the drug problem in a
community, the bigger its crime rate and the bigger its need for police protection. Even
though the cost of adding more police may strain a community and its citizens
financially, protecting its children from the dangers of drug abuse and cutting down on
drug-related crimes are worth the price. effectively.