Why your School needs SADD

  A SADD chapter in your school sends a positive message to students, parents, and the community.
  SADD has long been recognized as the national leader in alcohol and drug education prevention for youth. Research shows that SADD Students tend to be less involved in risky behavior and more aware of dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

  The presence of a SADD chapter in your school creates an atmosphere of positive peer pressure that is reflected in the attitude and behavior of all students.
  SADD uses positive peer pressure, role modeling, and education to help students make positive healthy decisions while engaging in activities that are fun and creative.
  The impact of a serious injury or death causes parents and the community to look to the school for answers. A Sadd Chapter is a definite plus.
  SADD originated in high schools because of the driving drunk issue and has remained predominantly in the high schools. With the name change and expansion of its mission, upper elementary, middle and junior high seem to be the best place to start. We need to reach students before they have engaged in destructive decisions.
  Studies show that alcohol, drug, illegal substances and tobacco use, as well as sexual activity and eating disorders start as early as 5th grade and increase with each grade. It may be too late for some youth by the time they reach high school.

  A SADD presence on a college campus can have a positive impact from the first college visit to actual enrollment as a freshman. This is a time when students may forget parent’s expectations, when they are exposed for the first time to an unsupervised environment filled with access to alcohol, drugs, and sex.
  An active SADD chapter can bridge this gap by offering positive mentoring and enable students to meet other students who live and promote healthy lifestyles.
  A SADD chapter can use its forum to present programs and materials to the entire student body concerning life-threatening decisions such as binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, drugs, impaired driving, and etc.
  Every student is at high risk and may need a helping hand at times. SADD can help make sure services are available for most student needs, from medical, counseling or just someone to talk to about a problem.
  Alabama has well over one hundred chapters in private and public schools and colleges but would like to have SADD present in all schools.