Tennessee Scientologist Works to Combat Drug Abuse

Scientologists are standing up against rampant drug abuse, and providing educational materials to prevent an epidemic.

There is a public health crisis in Tennessee: prescription drug abuse. According to a Tennessean article from last month, there are now more opioid prescriptions than there are people in the state, making it the second highest rate of prescriptions per capita in the nation. And if that sounds like bad news, that’s not even the worst of it. Overdose death has gone up 300% over the last two decades, with nearly 1500 deaths in 2015 alone.

That is why Tennessee Scientologist Brian Fesler is working with Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT) to prevent drug abuse and educate young people before it is too late.

Fesler, regional coordinator for DFT, said, “We are working to prevent an epidemic, but we will need all shoulders to the wheel if we are going to make an effective change.” The organization is planning a series of events throughout summer to educate people on the dangers of street drugs. Insiders are calling it a “summer slam on drug abuse.”

DFT is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW), which is based in Los Angeles and has the mission to educate people about the dangerous effects of drugs so they understand and can make informed choices on the subject. While FDFW is not a religious organization, many Scientologists support it, as it is a core belief of the Scientology religion to be free of drugs.

Fesler says, “There is a need in our communities to educate everyone on drugs, drugs impact all our lives in one way or another. That’s why we work with others so people can get a complete overview.” For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee and to follow the events throughout the summer, visit drugfreetn.org.