Prevention Campaign

The fight against alcohol and drug addiction may seem like a lost battle when looking at news reports and statistics, but a well-structured drug prevention program can save lives. More and more schools and teachers are becoming aware of this fact, and the number of requests for prevention activities is increasing. The general goal of these activities is to inform about the effects of psychoactive substances and the risks of consumption, raise awareness among young people and present ways they can seek help.

Between August 1 and November 30, we carried out an extensive prevention campaign. We were invited to several schools in Târgu Mureș and Mureș County, as well as in other regions. We organized prevention activities in Pănet, Sântioana, Sovata, and multiple schools in Târgu Mureș (Reformed College, Bolyai Farkas Theoretical High School, II. Rákóczi Ferenc Roman Catholic Theological High School), as well as in Șumuleu Ciuc, Brașov, Gheorgheni, Târgu Secuiesc, Chilieni, and various camps for children and young people.

We were also present at major summer events in Târgu Mureș and Transylvania. During the “Vâltoarea Mureșeană – Targu Mures Whirlabout” festival, the foundation’s clinical psychologist addressed questions such as: Who can become addicted? What does addiction mean in today’s world? How can we approach an addicted person and positively influence them? What is the difference between medication addiction and drug use? What role do family and friends play in such a situation?

At the Christian festival, “He is the Way!” the Bonus Pastor Foundation set up an interactive booth for drug prevention. Young people aged 14 to 25 had the opportunity to try goggles that simulate the effects of psychoactive substances, attend presentations on the risks of substance use and complete addiction and self-awareness tests.

On November 12, a group of 50 students visited the Therapy Center in Ozd, where they had the opportunity to talk directly with long-term therapy residents and ask social workers and therapists about the methods used. They also participated in an interactive discussion about what it means to be a volunteer in a therapy centre, the responsibilities involved and the opportunities offered by the Bonus Pastor Foundation.

Through this prevention and awareness campaign, we managed to reach approximately 1,250 young people. Their feedback and our experience confirmed the importance of not only providing accurate information but also developing self-awareness skills and the ability to say “no.” Perhaps the most important lesson of all is choosing the right friends: a true friend is not the one who makes you feel “cool” at the expense of your health but the one who helps bring out the best in you, even if they are not part of the popular crowd.