This study evaluated the revised Project ALERT drug prevention program, which was implemented across a wide variety of South Dakota schools and communities.
Fifty-five South Dakota middle schools were randomly assigned to program or control conditions. Treatment group students received 11 lessons in 7th grade and 3 more in 8th grade. Program effects for 4,276 8th-graders were assessed 18 months after baseline. The revised Project ALERT curriculum curbed the initiation of cigarette and marijuana use, current and regular cigarette use, and alcohol misuse. Reductions ranged from 19 percent to 39 percent. Program effects were not significant for initial and current drinking or for current and regular marijuana use. The evaluation's overall conclusion is that school-based drug prevention programs can prevent occasional and more serious drug use, help low- to high-risk adolescents, and be effective in diverse school environments. 1 figure (publisher abstract modified)