Drug Prevention and Education Programs

There is a growing trend in both prevention and mental health services towards Evidenced Based Practices (EBP).

Over the last decade there has been a growing emphasis on accountability and evaluation.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In creating your own proposals be mindful of assessment and evaluation.

In the 1970’s youth were encouraged to make responsible decisions regarding ATOD use.o Goals involved responsible use which did not interfere

with social or emotional functioning. In the 1980’s the message changed. The U.S.

advocated a simple “______________” message for youth. o The U.S. Department of Education advocates educators

to only use a clear no use message.o Messages in programs have not always remained

consistent. Some models offer a no use message but also imply that youth have choice.

A Systems Approach to Drug Use Preventiono Analyzes the interconnections between all strategies and

pieces them together to function as a whole rather than in isolation.

A Developmental Model for Drug Preventiono Educators use methods that incorporate

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________• Early Childhood-4-6• Middle Childhood-6-10• Adolescence-10-18

o Children at these different stages think differently and therefore education attempts should be relevant to appropriate developmental stage

School Focus Prevention Programso ________________________emphasize importance of drug free

campuseso Lack of knowledge approach assumes that young people use

because they are unaware of the adverse effects of drug use• Programs target education of risks and dangers of drug use

Community Focus Prevention Programso Availability- these programs aim to reduce availability of

substances by mobilizing community groupso Social climate- the focus is to increase law enforcement,

offer strong school prevention programs, and invite parental involvement

o Social bonding- _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Larger Social Environmental Focuso Advertising- this approach aims to educate youth about the

impact of advertising and see through the messages in advertisement.

o Mass Media- focus is on education of writers, producers, and directors about the messages they are releasing in hopes they will present a more accurate representation of substance abuse

Family Focus Prevention Programso Family Dynamics- views drug use as related to family factors

and aims to teach effective parenting and communication skillso __________________teaches parents how to effectively teach self

discipline and home structureo Parental Modeling- Change and improve parental behavioro Social Control- teaching parents to assert more control over

their children’s lives

According to this perspective the “war on drugs” can only be won by persuading drug users and abusers to stop.o The goal is to make a dent in overall demand affecting

the global market for drugs.• Advocates efforts like:

• Mandatory drug testing• Punitive measures• ______________________• Fines• Seizure of property• Forfeiture of driver’s licenses• Loss of other privileges

In 1993 the U.S. spent 12.2 billion in drug control efforts. That is 5.6 billion more than in 1989. Despite this increase in funding drug use ____________________.o We are clearly losing the “War on Drugs”o What are your thoughts?o What needs to change?o What can be done?

o Video Part 1o Video Part 2o Video Part 3o Video Part 4o Video Part 5o Video Part 6

It begins with ______________________.o Talk to kids, your friends, or anyone who looks up to you

Communication also involves listening.o Ask questions, learn, and understand.o Don’t respond with intense anger when children admit

use Remember your own role in the community as a

role model.o WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT YOUR BEHAVIOR SERVES

AS AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS. Get involved with community efforts to reduce

drug use

1. Start- its never too early to prevent your children from trying drugs. Build protective factors and let your children know you care.

2. ______________- make efforts to participate in family activities. Eat together, play together, and model fun family interactions.

3. Listen- take an active more in your children’s lives. Know what there interests are and involve yourselves in their social lives.

4. Educate- provide knowledge about drugs and their impact on peoples lives and families

5. Care- express love to your children and show them you have interest in their well being. Let them know you will be there for them when they need it the most.

6. Be Aware- Look for warning signs. Know what to look for. Your pediatrician can help.

7. Learn- continue to educate yourselves. Children are sophisticated. Don’t assume you know everything.

8. ________________set family rules about drugs. Demonstrate family values about drugs

9. Get involved- get involved in community groups. Be an active member of the school or community.

10. Lead- Set the example you wish your children to follow.

Research confirms the important role of parents in prevention.

Studies indicate that parental attitudes and practices related to alcohol are the strongest influences on children’s use of alcohol and drugs.

In addition the relationship _______________________has also be shown to effect drug usage.

Prevention efforts should utilize parental involvement and aim to educate parents on drug use and related issues.

“D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation's school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world”- Dare website

Drug Abuse Resistance Education Video

o _________________________________________________o Has shifted its approach in recent yearso Surgeon General’s Office

• “Overall, evidence on the effects of the traditional DARE curriculum, which is implemented in grades 5 and 6, shows that children who participate are as likely to use drugs as those who do not participate. However, some positive effects have been demonstrated regarding ____________________________________.”