A norm changing approach to drug prevention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Substance Abuse Prevention
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Elementary school substance use prevention programs are crucial for long-term health outcomes.
• Previous interventions have shown varying degrees of success in reducing adolescent substance use.
• The need for evidence-based, adaptable curricula for diverse student populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the innovative Drugs-At-Work (DAW) curriculum in preventing substance use among elementary students.
• To assess the impact of the DAW program across multiple phases and diverse demographic groups.
• To determine the sustained effects of the curriculum on tobacco, alcohol, and other drug (ATOD) use.

Main Methods:

• A multi-phase evaluation of the DAW curriculum was conducted.
• Data were collected using a modified A-B-A design and comparative analyses across different student groups.
• Longitudinal tracking of substance use patterns in fifth and sixth-grade participants and their peers.

Main Results:

• The DAW curriculum demonstrated a significant reduction in ATOD use among fifth and sixth-grade participants and their classmates.
• Intervention years showed a decrease in ATOD use compared to baseline, with a return to baseline after program cessation.
• Significant reductions in ATOD use were observed across the total sample, including Mexican-American, Anglo, and African-American students.

Conclusions:

• The Drugs-At-Work curriculum is an effective strategy for preventing substance use in elementary school children.
• The program's positive effects were observed across different ethnic groups, indicating broad applicability.
• Sustained implementation and reinforcement may be necessary to maintain reduced ATOD use rates.