Our four core beliefs
These four core beliefs guide the vision of the agency as well as our many programs and practices.
Every one of us is important and deserves to be nurtured.
Every one of us has a responsibility to promote healthy choices.
The abuse of alcohol and other drugs are preventable.
Addiction is treatable and recovery happens.
What We Do
As friends on the frontlines of addiction, The Drug Education Council serves adolescents and adults in communities across Alabama.
We are committed to adapting to the critically changing needs of the communities we serve by providing a continuum of services.
PREVENTION • INTERVENTION • RECOVERY
Experience, passion, and the power of partnering enable us to create momentum and effect positive change in our communities.
Each of our many programs and practices is based on the four core beliefs that provide the guidance and vision of the agency.
Our dedicated team of experts is deeply committed to helping every individual, family and community find a path forward when drug and alcohol issues strike.
Research concludes that the earlier people begin to use drugs and alcohol, the more likely they are to develop serious problems with them in the future. This also means our youth is at risk.
By creating customized programs that address the most current challenges unique to each community and culture, we ensure that children from kindergarten to 12th grade receive the vital age-appropriate information, education and guidance they need to navigate these trying times.
Our programs and services for adults are designed to help people dealing with substance use issues in the workplace, questions or concerns about family members who may be using alcohol or drugs, and other matters related to prevention, addiction, or recovery.
Our goal is to help individuals and families achieve healthy and drug-free lives.
Issues Our Programs Address
Dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Consequences of prescription drug misuse
Dangers of illicit drug use
Impact of drugs and drug use on the individual and family
Addiction and recovery
Other related topics
How We Do It
We focus on three actions to eradicate addiction.
1. Prevention
Because evidence shows that education is a powerful tool in the prevention of addiction, our prevention programs are not only informative, inspiring and interactive, they work.
Prevention Education programs for youth focus on
- Teaching refusal skills.
- Developing important life skills.
- Promoting positive, drug-free attitudes and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Educating students about the harmful consequences of drug use.
Our involvement in school programs such as the Debakey Drug Education Vehicle and the National Red Ribbon Campaign, and other preventative measures like these, significantly reduces early use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
We succeed when we connect, reward, and engage our youth.
2. Intervention
Because of our lived experience, wisdom, passion, and power of partnering, we’ve created a momentum that allows us to assist individuals, families and loved ones when addiction issues need to be addressed.
Intervention is a turning point and can come in many forms. From working to change legislation to helping families in their time of need, DEC goes the distance to build strong communities and ensure its members can find answers, get help and get better.
3. Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use issues, we are here to help.
We understand that no two people are in the same place and that each person’s recovery journey is unique.
From assisting people with finding available treatment options and support services to providing resources and tools, our passion lies in providing a clear, personalized path to success.
We are a safety net here to connect you, show you the way, and ensure you have everything you need to live a healthy and happy life. You are not alone.
We passionately believe that “Recovery happens.” And it truly does. Even if it doesn’t seem possible.
What’s Happening
See the latest DEC events, pics from our communities and recent educational materials and videos
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