Drug prevention programs can work: research findings

This paper reports findings of a subset of 91 programs, which included drug use measures, from the data base previously reported in the author's meta-analysis of 143 adolescent drug prevention programs. Treatment components of strategies successful in decreasing drug use by adolescents are discussed with regard to both the developmental stages of adolescents and the current etiology of drug abuse. Meta-analysis is briefly discussed. The focus is on issues rather than the actual research. Questions for future programming address theoretical assumptions and practical issues. Is attitude change a prerequisite for decreased drug use? This meta-analysis questions the validity of using knowledge and attitude measures as the only outcome measures. Successful program strategies require innovative planning and close attention to implementation factors. Answers to implementation questions require continued quality research. Implications for future planning may lie in the public policy arena.