Pocatello High Schools Use New Tactic In Fight Against Drugs

Area high schools are trying out a new way to keep kids away from drugs.

Staying clean got a new meaning at the Museum of Clean in Pocatello, as it played host to a day long drug-free workshop for local highschoolers.

Those who deal with these issues in the district said the old adage rings true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

“One of the things that i have discovered is that it is much more difficult to correct a problem. It’s easier to prevent a problem,? District 25 Director of Student Support Services Kent Hobbs said.

The program on Tuesday involved a group of students from New Horizons High School,some of whom have already faced drug issues.

“I’ve seen like, family members, who are like, drug addicts. And so I know what it’s like to be around people who have to tangle with it,? New Horizons student April Dee Brown said.

Rather than an hour-long assembly, students are spending the entire day with Idaho Drug Free Youth trainer Greg Sommers. He said getting kids away from drug use isn’t just done by lecturing about risks, but opening other doors.

“When we connect in positive ways, those negative opportunities and appeals, those things don’t seem as appealing anymore,? Sommers said.

At least for some of the kids, it might make a difference.

“None of the kids at my school are bad kids. They’ve done bad things, some of them, but they’re really good kids, and this program shows them that there is something there to help them,? Brown said.

“Today for a lot of students can be very transformational. I’ve heard students say, ‘This is life-changing,’? Sommers said.