31. Responses To D.A.R.E. Criticism
DARE America has asserted that pro-drug legalization groups were behind the criticism of the program and were trying to support individual personal agendas at the expense of America’s youth.
The program has even gone as far as to say that critics were motivated by jealousy of the overall success of DARE rather than looking at any potential flaws. DARE’s executive director at the time compared it to “kicking Santa Claus.” They also indicated that it was evident that the effects of the program would dissipate over time, especially without reinforcement.