NCJ Number
144617
Date Published
1991
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Intended for use by individuals and agencies concerned with preventing alcohol and other drug use and abuse by children and youth, this paper presents the findings of recent research, examples of effective prevention efforts, and an overview of how to design an effective prevention program.
Abstract
The discussion emphasizes research on risk and protective factors related to drug abuse and the use of these research findings in designing prevention programs. It notes that young people do not develop alcohol and other drug problems without prior behavioral, emotional, cognitive, or physical reasons and that some of the precursors can be traced back as early as kindergarten. In each community, prevention program developers must assess community needs to determine which influences, risk factors, cognitive motivations, and protective factors are at work. Once this initial scanning is complete, it is possible to begin designing and developing intensive prevention programs that are developmentally and culturally appropriate and relevant for individuals and communities. Prevention specialists should work from a flexible base of proven program components and adapt them to the needs, innovations, and preferences of individual communities. Figure, planning charts, program descriptions, and 30 references