Drug abuse is a problem for adults but when adolescents use drugs, the social and behavioral issues caused from the substance abuse compound the problem. Drug use can lead adolescents to antisocial behavior, causing loss of interest in schoolwork, family conflict, criminal behavior and, if not addressed, full-blown addiction.
Community Caring School Program
Universal drug prevention programs, implemented within the community and classrooms, focus on prevention and life skills. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, studies indicate that over time participants in the programs have better outcomes than nonparticipants. An example of a universal drug prevention program is the Caring Community School Program. This program is a family-plus program to reduce the risk of drug use by children and increase the factors allowing elementary school children to resist the temptation to use drugs. It centers on increasing the students' community spirit and connection to the community-at-large. Sense of community is effective in reducing drug abuse, street violence and psychological problems. In addition, these programs promote motivation in school and academic achievement.
Guiding Good Choices
The Guiding Good Choices program depends on parental involvement to decrease the risk factors causing children to turn to drugs. It focuses on family cohesiveness and bonding. In addition, the program seeks to improve family awareness of drug use and its signs. According to The National Institute of Drug Abuse, the curriculum, designed to teach parents how to minimize risks and strengthen family bonds, is effective in identifying possible drug use and intervening before it gets out of hand. In five sessions, parents learn skills on family intervention and interaction, setting clear boundaries for the child, maintaining discipline and family management.
Life Skills Training Program
Life Skills Training Program focuses on general and personal skills development and drug resistive techniques taught over a three-year period. According to Drugabuse.gov, this program is effective in reducing adolescent drug abuse. The curriculum, taught in grades six through nine, covers three areas: drug resistance, life-management skills and social skills. It has been shown to reduce adolescent drug and alcohol abuse by 50 to 87 percent over a 20-year period, according to Drugabuse.org.
