The Marion County Cooperative Extension Service implemented Truth & Consequences: The Choice Is Yours, a scenario-based role-play activity designed to help students learn more about the physical, legal, financial, and emotional consequences of substance abuse for ninth-grade high school students.  Thirty-five community partners and adult volunteers participated in the event as well.

Community partner evaluation data indicates that 50% strongly agree that substance abuse by youth is a problem in the community; 27% indicated that is easy for youth to get drugs in the community; and 17% agreed or strongly agreed that one reason why alcohol and drug use occurs in our community is that there are not enough activities for youth.

Student evaluation results revealed the following:  83% of freshman indicated that it was slightly or not wrong at all for someone their age to participate in one or two drinks of alcoholic beverage; 127 students also indicated that there was slight or no risk in people harming themselves physically or in other ways if they participate in one or two drinks of an alcoholic beverage; and 26% indicated slight or no risk in harm associated with marijuana use.

Students also shared the following evaluation comments:

"This program made me aware of what can happen if you start taking drugs and alcohol."

"Because of this program, I now know how fast your life can turn upside down."

"I enjoyed getting to hear from the inmates; it really hit home."

The event continues to make an impact on students each year by providing them with a first-hand look at the realities and consequences of getting involved with substance abuse.