KINGNEWSWIRE / PRESS RELEASE / MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — A growing network of approximately 300 volunteers has been engaged in a national drug-prevention campaign in Italy since January, distributing educational booklets titled “The Truth About Drugs.” Reports indicate that over 500,000 pamphlets have been distributed so far, with Milan spearheading the initiative and other Italian cities joining in.
Supported by the European Office of the Church of Scientology, the campaign is part of their ongoing commitment to local drug education and prevention efforts inspired by L. Ron Hubbard. The initiative aims to provide clear, factual information about commonly abused drugs, their effects, and health risks. The goal is to offer accessible information in places like streets and community spaces to help teenagers and families make informed decisions before experimentation turns into habit.
The “Truth About Drugs” booklets explain various substances and their dangers, written in easily understandable language and used to spark conversations, particularly to address peer pressure and misleading narratives that downplay risks.
Organisers emphasize that drug prevention is both a health and social issue, with information dissemination supporting youth protection and strengthening community resilience. Athletes have increasingly joined the outreach, and over 100 athletes associated with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s Honorary Register in support of drug prevention messaging.
European Parliament Vice-President Antonella Sberna has stressed the importance of ongoing investment in grassroots sports and civic participation, reflecting the campaign’s emphasis on community-level engagement.
On 6 February 2026, during the Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony, around 100 volunteers distributed over 100,000 booklets, capitalizing on the influx of visitors and public interest. The campaign has already exceeded 500,000 booklets distributed, marking the first phase of a longer-term program, which plans to expand into more neighborhoods as local resources develop.
A Reuters report from 25 June 2024 highlighted that 39% of Italians aged 15 to 19 had used illegal substances at least once, underlining the ongoing relevance of prevention. At the European level, monitoring shows evolving patterns among younger teens, indicating that prevention strategies need to adapt to these changes.
Foundation for a Drug-Free World Executive Director Jessica Hochman views prevention as a direct approach to disrupt the normalization of initial drug use by enlightening youth about drug effects. The focus is to dispel myths portraying drugs as harmless experiments.
The initiative, led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, a non-profit registered with UN ECOSOC, highlights that 100 million booklets have been disseminated globally. This infrastructure allows for rapid expansion when local communities emphasize prevention.
Support from the Church of Scientology has enabled widespread distribution of materials, forming part of their broader social initiatives informed by L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings. Church representative Ivan Arjona emphasizes that drug prevention involves addressing social environments as well, noting that accessible information acts as a protective tool.
The Church of Scientology maintains a significant presence across Europe, with over 140 churches and groups engaging in education and community support inspired by L. Ron Hubbard. Recognitions of Scientology continue to grow across Europe, with several countries acknowledging its communities under national and international religious freedom provisions.
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