If I were in a position of power that would allow me to make changes in the community that would help the families of those suffering from substance abuse, I would start with research. There is substance abuse everywhere, but not everyone is willing to get help, or allow their children to receive any kind of assistance from someone they don't know or trust. The research will need to begin in the neighborhoods that have the greatest problems with drug dealing and in the neighborhoods that have the highest alcohol sales. These neighborhoods are the starting places for any type of change that can be implemented, but the changes are not limited to those places, due to the extended reach of substance abuse. As someone who has dealt with chemical dependency, I understand that chemical dependency and habituation are two different things, but there are people out there who don't and I want to spread knowledge and understanding. It is also important for people to know that people with substance abuse problems are not criminals, they are victims of a disease called addiction. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay To start a new generation of understanding, youth information programs are the best place to start teaching about the effects of drugs and alcohol. Programs that teach elementary school students what can happen if they or someone they love begins to abuse drugs or alcohol are good, but the programs must also teach how to handle situations like that. When I was in fifth grade, a DARE agent came to my class a few times, but he only told us what kinds of drugs were in the world, such as alcohol and cigarettes. The programs I want to implement in elementary schools will teach how to handle the situation in which a parent is too drunk or too high to care for their children. Young minds need to understand that someone who needs to drink to get through the day, or someone who needs to take that dose of drugs, is someone who needs help. No matter how much love a child has for their parents, children need to know what to do and who they can call to get their parents the help they need. My elementary school curriculum must provide knowledge and support to children who will find themselves in a situation that requires them to be stronger than any child should ever be. My program will show kids that there is a better life out there for those with families suffering from substance abuse. My program will show children how to get help for their parents without feeling like they are betraying their families. I will make sure that children know what can happen to their lives if they become addicted to harmful substances such as nicotine, alcohol or any other drug. Those people suffering from the disease known as addiction may not see their addiction as an addiction until it is too late to change. If a parent is addicted, the child may need to look them in the eye and tell them that their addiction will harm the entire family, especially if they don't get help. When it comes to research, gathering information can only go so far in providing information about a neighborhood or community. In terms of substance abuse, local liquor stores are a great place to start asking questions about how much they sell and whether alcohol sales are higher with certain people. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find people who have the authority to receive information.