Drug free subculture
Our experience shows the following restrictions for creation of such drug free subculture:
 | Double morals about drugs; |
| Artificiality of subculture creation "from top down"; |
| Necessity of material external support of drug free behavior of the subculture members. |
As a result of research, and of a pilot project of a club "Better without" and "the Striped house" its participants have developed ways of creation of a viable drug free subculture. We see the following ways to overcome obstacles mentioned above:
- The group is united by common activity; the drugs in such case are perceived as a handicap to productive dialogue.
- Anti-drug ideas are discussed, but each member of the group has the right to choose his own behavioral strategy concerning legal or illegal drugs. The "no harm to others" rule works, and consequently the rule of drug free club territory appears and is followed.
- The group makes all the decisions concerning its life using democratic procedure. There is no management or managers, who could impose their point of view. Thus the feeling of external origin of sober, healthy lifestyle can be overcome.
- The group takes time to reflect on what happens in social environment and to each of its members. In real life of the Club it takes place in "club meetings", night discussions of relations, in brainstorms on certain problems.
There are several principles in the club life:
| a non hierarchical way of interaction, |
| "nuclear free zone", |
| collective decision making, |
| confrontation without ruling. |
The principles of 'Club for clubs' life enabled it to carry out purposeful activity
| to issue a magazine for socially active youth, |
| to hold street actions, |
| to carry out seminars for volunteers of various social programs, |
| to create social advertising. |
The principle of nuclear free zone means that consumption of legal or illegal drugs on the territory of the Club is forbidden, and it is also forbidden to come under intoxication. It would be surprising or even impossible to imagine one of the club members drunk on the territory of the Club, or its active members drinking alcohol anywhere. But at the same time the club members confirm their self esteem in other system of priorities (well organized action or a developed project, successful lecture is considered a sign of success). The Club is being driven by the personal initiative and responsibility of every member both for the decision taken and for the distribution of resources. Such mutual support and freedom of personal choices naturally results in freedom from drugs.
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