NCJ Number
139837
Journal
International Journal on Drug Policy Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: 66-70
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Despite the focus of educators in the United States, Great Britain, and elsewhere on drug prevention, there is little hard evidence to show that prevention works. The problem is exacerbated when prevention initiatives make evaluation the bottom priority.
Abstract
The author describes several innovative drug prevention programs for adolescents including the TEENEX (teen experiential learning) camps, which try to foster a positive peer environment for the campers, most of whom are non-drug users, with a small proportion of casual users and other high- risk adolescents attending. Another innovative project has been TRIBES, a cooperative learning process introduced into American primary and secondary schools. To improve drug prevention efforts in Great Britain, the author recommends providing additional funding for longitudinal studies, collating existing international research, critically evaluating programs, promoting prevention above harm reduction, dropping the "war on drugs" rhetoric, and intensifying prevention work for maximum effectiveness. 14 references