Effects of a community-based prevention program on decreasing drug use in high-risk adolescents

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the secondary prevention effects of a substance abuse primary prevention program. METHODS: Logistic regression analyses were conducted on 4 waves of follow-up data from sixth- and seventh-grade baseline users of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana taking part in a school-based program in Indianapolis. RESULTS: The program demonstrated significant reductions in cigarette use at the initial follow-up (6 months) and alcohol use at the first 2 follow-ups (up to 1.5 years). Models considering repeated measures also showed effects on all 3 substances. CONCLUSIONS: Primary prevention programs are able to reach and influence high-risk adolescents in a nonstigmatizing manner.