Results of prevention programs with adolescents

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Adolescent substance use is increasingly viewed as normative social behavior, not just deviance.
• Prevention efforts have shifted from discipline to addressing social and functional aspects of drug use.
• Successful programs aim to delay the onset of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate novel prevention programs targeting adolescent smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse.
• To assess the effectiveness of programs that address social influences and teach life skills.
• To explore the role of peer leaders in substance abuse prevention.

Main Methods:

• Programs teach adolescents about social influences (peers, role models, advertising) and how to resist them.
• Life skills training is incorporated to counterbalance the perceived functions of substance use.
• Peer leaders are trained to deliver prevention activities and serve as non-use role models.

Main Results:

• Studies show 50-70% reductions in the onset of smoking in targeted populations.
• The 'Life Skills Training' program demonstrates success in delaying heavy alcohol and marijuana use.
• Evaluations of peer-led interventions are optimistic regarding their effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Prevention programs that delay the onset of smoking are effective for other substances.
• Social and life skills training, including peer-led approaches, are promising for adolescent substance abuse prevention.
• Shifting the perspective of substance use to social behavior informs more effective prevention strategies.