The auditorium of the Ideal Church of Scientology in Madrid was filled June 26 with volunteers and friends who share the Church's passion for a drug-free world. Because this was the anniversary of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, those attending the rally were ready for action.

Every year on this day, Madrid Scientologists take to the streets to promote drug-free living—an initiative they carry out throughout the year.

After a stirring musical presentation to inspire them, the volunteers donned their signature aqua T-shirts, grabbed their banner and marched from the Church to Puerta Del Sol in the very center of the city.

There, the volunteers handed out thousands of copies of The Truth About Drugs booklets providing factual information about what drugs are and what they do.

“The planet has hit a barrier which prevents any widespread social progress—drugs and other biochemical substances. These can put people into a condition which not only prohibits and destroys physical health but which can prevent any stable advancement in mental or spiritual well-being.” 

— L. RON HUBBARD, SCIENTOLOGY FOUNDER

Among those receiving copies was an official of the Ministry of Public Health, who picked up extra copies to use at work. Two groups who had set up information stands of their own took copies to hand out at their booths. Some parents asked the volunteers it they could set up lectures for their children and their friends, which they happily agreed to do.

One father, who had been trying to address the issue of drugs with his son, came back to thank the volunteers for what they were doing. He had picked up a copy of The Truth About Drugs and his son was avidly reading it.

The Truth About Drugs is an international drug education and prevention initiative supported by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists.

Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard described the overriding importance of addressing drugs as a social and personal issue, when he wrote, “The planet has hit a barrier which prevents any widespread social progress—drugs and other biochemical substances. These can put people into a condition which not only prohibits and destroys physical health but which can prevent any stable advancement in mental or spiritual well-being.”