Preventing adolescent drug abuse through a multimodal cognitive-behavioral approach: Results of a 3-year study.

TLDR

Adolescent substance abuse remains a major public health concern, prompting the need for effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal cognitive‑behavioral program for preventing drug use among New York State high‑school students. In a randomized block design, 56 schools were assigned to three conditions—full program with training and feedback, program with videotaped training only, or no treatment—and students who completed at least 60 % of the program (N = 3,684) were analyzed. The program produced significant reductions in cigarette smoking, marijuana use, and excessive alcohol consumption, and improved normative expectations, knowledge, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Abstract

Students (N = 4,466) attending 56 schools in New York State were involved in a 3-year study testing the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral approach to substance abuse prevention. In a randomized block design, schools were assigned to receive (a) the prevention program with formal provider training and implementation feedback, (b) the prevention program with videotaped provider training and no feedback, or (c) no treatment. After pretest equivalence and comparability of conditions with respect to attrition were established, students who received at least 60% of the prevention program (N = 3,684) were included in analyses of program effectiveness. Significant prevention effects were found for cigarette smoking, marijuana use, and immoderate alcohol use. Prevention effects were also found for normative expectations and knowledge concerning substance use, interpersonal skills, and communication skills.