This study tested whether a substance-abuse prevention program tailored to a social network (peer interaction) can reduce substance use among high-risk adolescents without fueling a social climate that cultivates drug-use behaviors.
The peer social network of high-risk youth was effective in reducing substance use when the peer environment supported non-use of substances; however, students with classroom friends who used substances were more likely to increase their use. A classroom randomized controlled trial compared control classes (those that did not participate in the intervention program) with an evidence-based substance-use prevention program entitled Towards No Drug Abuse (Project TND) and the same program presented to 541 students as a peer-led interactive version of TND (TND Network). TND Network was conducted in 75 classrooms from 14 alternative high school. Throughout the development of TND Network, program designers/evaluators attempted to keep the program content consistent with instructor-led TND, while featuring peer interaction as the primary learning environment. TND Network participants completed surveys before and approximately 1 year after curriculum delivery. Past-month use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine were assessed. The authors advise that future curricula may need to be adaptable to the current normative beliefs of the students, providing positive peer influence when substance-use rates are low and combating negative influences when use rates are high. Suggestions are offered for the structuring of future programs that use peer interaction. 3 tables, 2 figures, and 52 references