Evaluating an in-school drug prevention program for at-risk youth

This study assessed an in-school program aimed at preventing or reducing dr ug use and other deviant behavior in a sample of 167 at-risk youth in their transition years. Over 10 weeks, 17 one-hour sessions were offered to yout h who were identified using a self-report questionnaire (at 9 schools with 12 control sites in Ontario, Canada). Repeated measures analysis of covaria nce was used to assess program impact at posttest and six-month followup. P rogram participants, compared with the control group, reported less frequen t drinking, cannabis use, nonprescribed tranquilizer or sedative use, and s elf-reported theft, and improved attitudes toward school (posttest only). T hey also reported less supportive attitudes toward alcohol, tobacco, and ca nnabis use, and less risky drinking behavior (posttest and follow-up). Ther e were no program effects for ally of the personal and social competence or life skills measures (e.g., self-esteem, social skills).