NCJ Number
196563
Date Published
1997
Length
73 pages
Annotation
Since 1986 the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has funded demonstration grants to State and local community entities to examine models of drug prevention services delivery; this document presents findings from evaluations of these demonstrations.
Abstract
Some of the correlates of the initiation of substance abuse identified in the projects have included adolescent perceptions of the risks and benefits of drug use; parental use of and attitudes toward the use of various drugs; the absence of close family relationships; and poor school performance coupled with low self-esteem. Regarding the effectiveness of prevention activities, evaluations have found that the teaching of life skills, the use of case management and peer support groups, and intensive positive interactions (e.g., interpersonal counseling and mentoring) have been particularly useful in preventing drug abuse. Cooperation within community coalitions, longer term interventions and booster sessions, and a comprehensive strategy of prevention that targets adolescents have proven to enhance program implementation and outcomes. Regarding costs and financing, the evaluations found that preventive interventions delivered to pregnant women reduced health care costs; drug-free recreational and cultural activities were often the most costly element of community-based substance abuse prevention programs; and even cost-effective, community-based prevention efforts quickly eroded without stable, dedicated funding. This report also presents working hypotheses based on limited outcomes and needing further research. 7 figures and 36 references