CLEARWATER: From now until October 31st, in honor of Red Ribbon Week, (October 24 – 30), the Church of Scientology is inviting the community to it historic Fort Harrison to view the 1 hour 42 minute documentary “The Truth About Drugs”.
Directed by Gary Ravenscroft and released last year, the Truth About Drugs tells the real story about what drugs are and how they affect a person’s body and mind. The documentary was produced by the Foundation for a Drug Free World.
With an estimated 208 million people internationally consuming illegal drugs, the documentary’s purpose is to stop the spread of abuse.
The documentary takes 11 different drugs, detailing what the drug is made from, how it is used and the result. The real stars of the documentary are former addicts who tell it like it is. They share their stories of how they started and why, and what happened to them on their descent down into addiction.
For example, there is Daniel, who found himself addicted to crystal meth.
Crystal meth is a more purer form of methamphetamine that resembles small fragments of glass or crystals.
It is made from ingredients such as battery acid, drain cleaner and rat poison. Many users report getting hooked on it the first time they try it, with nausea, delusions of power, increased aggressiveness, hallucinations, anxiety and paranoia as side effects.
In telling his story, Daniel states, “Now what’s the one thing in this world that you know that you would never do – you would never do to somebody, you know? Would you steal from a friend? No. No, you wouldn’t. Okay. This [crystal meth] will make you do that.”
And what if he had known what crystal meth was made of and what it would do to him?
“If anyone had told me what it could actually do to me, I would have walked right away from it.”
“Studies have shown that educating young people about the dangers of drugs will stop them from using them,” said Pat Harney, the Public Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology, the owner of the Fort Harrison.
“The Church has promoted a drug-free message since its inception,” said Harney. “Red Ribbon Week is an excellent opportunity to give residents a clear picture about the harm that drugs do.”
“Like many other organizations, we support this program through donations from our membership so that we can help fulfill the aims of Scientology,” added Harney.
The Aims of Scientology, as laid down by founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1965 state: “A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where Man is free to rise to greater heights…”
“A large percentage of crimes that are committed are committed because people are either on drugs, or are trying to get drugs,” said Harney. “It is impossible for anyone to raise a family, better themselves or better their community if they have that kind of constant threat.”
Red Ribbon Week is the country’s oldest and largest drug education and prevention event, with 80 million people in schools, businesses and churches participating. The event pays tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed kidnapped, tortured and murdered by Mexican drug traffickers.
The documentary is available to be seen on demand, seven days a week, between 10 am and 7pm. The Fort Harrison, located at 210 S. Fort Harrison Ave
For more information about the Foundation for a Drug Free World, please go to their website at www.drugfreeworld.org.
To find out more about the Fort Harrison, or to book a tour, please contact the Public Affairs Office of the Church of Scientology at (727) 467-6860.
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