Our Mission
Empowering Drug-Free Communities Globally
Mission, Philosophy & Principles
MISSION STATEMENT
The illegal or harmful use of psychoactive or addictive drugs is a major threat to all world communities and to future generations. Drug Watch International is a network of prevention experts and community volunteers from a wide range of professions whose mission is to help assure a healthier and safer world through drug prevention efforts by: providing accurate information on both illicit and harmful psychoactive substances; promoting sound drug policies based on scientific research; and opposing efforts to legalize or decriminalize drugs.
PHILOSOPHY
Drug abuse prevention is the most effective, humane, and cost-effective way of addressing the consequences of illegal, harmful, and mind-altering drugs in our society. Prevention works and needs to be reinforced, enhanced, and expanded.
Effective prevention can take place only with positive societal norms that embrace and support healthy drug-free attitudes, environment, and activities, while reinforcing nonacceptance toward the presence of drugs and destructive behavior. These societal norms must be reflected in the accountability and enforcement of legal, medical, educational, community, and personal standards.
All parts of the local and global communities need to unite the strengths of professional expertise, generational wisdom, and individual commitment to combat the drug problem as we strive together toward a healthier world.
Principles
- Support clear messages and standards of no illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (including “no use” under legal age) and no abuse of legal drugs or substances for adults or youth.
- Support comprehensive and coordinated approaches that include prevention, education, law enforcement, research, and treatment in addressing issues regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
- Support strong laws and meaningful legal penalties that hold users and dealers accountable for their actions.
- Support the requirement that any medical use of psychoactive or addictive drugs meet the current criteria required of all other therapeutic drugs.
- Support adherence to the scientific research standards and ethics that are prescribed by the world scientific community and professional associations in conducting studies and reviews on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (without exception to illicit drugs).
- Support efforts to prevent the availability and use of drugs, and oppose policies and programs that accept drug use based erroneously on the reduction or minimization of harm.
- Support International Treaties and Agreements, including international sanctions and penalties against drug trafficking, and oppose attempts to weaken international drug policies and laws.
- Support efforts to halt the legalization/decriminalization of drugs.
- Support the freedom and rights of individuals without jeopardizing society’s stability, health, and welfare.
BOARD MEMBERS
John J. Coleman, Ph. D., Virginia, President
Mina Seinfeld de Carakushansky, Brazil
Ed Moses, Missouri, Vice President, Secretary
Susie Dugan, Nebraska, Treasurer
Terrence P. Farley, Esq., New Jersey
Jeanette McDougal, Arkansas, Hemp Committee Chairman
Margaret L. Petito, Washington, DC
Alex J. Romero, Arizona
Wayne Roques, Florida
Geraldine Silverman, New Jersey
Monte Stiles, Idaho
Joan Bellm, Founder and Honorary Director, Illinois
COUNCIL OF ADVISORS
Pat Barton, Florida
Daniel Bent, Esq., Hawaii
James M. Ch’ien, M.D., Hong Kong
Dr. Kachit Choopanya, Thailand
C. E. Edwards, Arizona
Chief Ruben Greenberg, South Carolina
Datuk Haji Idris Ibrahim, Dmsm Jsm, Malaysia
Jerry Johansen, Texas
Cliff Kincaid, Maryland
Lt. Col. (USA Ret.) Robert Maginnis, Washington, DC
Fred J. Payne, MD, Louisiana
Bill Oliver, Georgia
Maggie Petito, Washington, D.C.
David Risley, Esq., Illinois
Arlene Seal, Ph.D., Pennsylvania
Padma Talcherkar, M.D., FAAP, Illinois
Our mission is to educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse and to advocate for effective prevention and treatment strategies that counter the effects of illegal drug advocacy.
We began Drug Watch International as a response to the increasing normalization of drug use. With a passion for prevention, we gathered like-minded volunteers who shared the vision of a drug-free world.
We envision a world where communities thrive without the influence of illegal drugs, cultivating healthy lifestyles through comprehensive education and support systems for prevention and recovery.
Throughout our journey, Drug Watch International has been recognized for our efforts with several advocacy awards, celebrating our impact and dedication to fostering safer, drug-free environments.
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