DRUG-ABUSE PREVENTION EFFORTS FOR YOUNG-CHILDREN - A REVIEW AND CRITIQUE OF EXISTING PROGRAMS

Children under age five are increasingly the target of formal interven tions aimed at deterring subsequent drug abuse. These prevention effor ts are characterized, however, by a lack of empirical research on the variables involved in inoculating very young children against later dr ug use, and the, lack of assessment research demonstrating their effec tiveness. Curriculum-based antidrug programs for preschool children ar e reviewed, and developmental and early intervention research is used as the basis of recommendations for strengthening such efforts.