An Ounce of Prevention A Pound of Uncertainty: The Cost- Effectiveness of School-Based Drug Prevention Programs

• NCJ Number: 177375
• Author(s): J P Caulkins; C P Rydell; S S Everingham; J Chiesa; S Bushway
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 223 pages
• Grant Number(s): SER-9357936
• Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Sale Source: Rand Corporation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This book analyzes the cost-effectiveness of school-based drug prevention programs aimed at reducing cocaine consumption; the cost-effectiveness of drug prevention is compared to several enforcement programs and to the treatment of heavy cocaine users.

Abstract

Of various possible approaches to alleviating drug problems, the greatest emphasis has long been placed on enforcement against drug traffickers, dealers, and users. Recently, public opinion polls have shown strong support for prevention, but considerable uncertainty surrounds the cost-effectiveness of drug prevention programs. Results of evaluations of school-based drug prevention programs are discussed in terms of their effectiveness in reducing cocaine consumption. The focus is on cohort members participating in the programs and the proportion of the cohort that would otherwise use cocaine, lifetime drug consumption, program effects, social and market multipliers, program costs, social savings from reduced drug use, and benefits unrelated to reduced drug consumption. Policy implications of school-based drug prevention programs for current and future cocaine epidemics and the drug legalization debate are considered, particularly with respect to the need for balance between drug prevention and enforcement. Additional information is appended on cocaine and marijuana consumption and the cost-effectiveness of drug prevention programs. 82 references, 41 tables, and 24 figures