Trends from 1987 to 1991 in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use among adolescents exposed to a school district-wide prevention intervention

This study involved a school-based prevention program initiated to reduce a lcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use among adolescents in the Troy Sc hool District in the Detroit area. One purpose was to describe the current ATOD situation by investigating changes in reported ATOD use from 1987 to 1 991. Another purpose was to explore and identify the most salient risk and protective factors present. In 1987, 1,490 students (comprising grades 8 an d 11) and in 1991, 3,171 students (comprising grades 8 to 12) completed que stionnaires. Significant decreases were found for use of most drugs with th e exception of alcohol. Involvement in problem behaviors was identified as the most salient risk factor, while having a member of a non-using peer gro up was the most salient protective factor. Implications for the design of s ubsequent intervention programs are discussed.