Substance Abuse Curricula vs. School Drug Policies

A review of current trends in adolescent substance use, together with research concerning effectiveness of alcohol and drug education and the impact of legal deterrence, indicate that neither educational nor school policy strategies by themselves are likely to effectively prevent use and abuse.

Abstract

Schools are attempting to reduce substance abuse by implementing policies related to use of alcohol and other drugs in school settings. A review of current trends in adolescent substance use, together with research concerning effectiveness of alcohol and drug education and the impact of legal deterrence, indicate that: 1) neither educational nor school policy strategies by themselves are likely to effectively prevent use and abuse; 2) to be effective, education and policies must acknowledge and incorporate clear statements of community norms about alcohol and drug use; 3) to be effective, educational and policy strategies must complement and reinforce each other; and 4) education and policies must acknowledge and reinforce the positive behavior of the large number of students who do not use or abuse alcohol and other drugs.