interventions based in educational settings were the most effective, particularly when elements of personal feedback, goal setting and moderation strategies were included.
Family-based interventions had a “small but persistent” effect, researchers stated. And computer-delivered interventions were found to reduce both the quantity and frequency of alcohol abuse among college students.
Researchers analyzed two systematic reviews that focused on school-based interventions related to drug use among adolescents and that combined social competence and social influence approaches, such as anti-drug information along with social skill building techniques related to refusal and self-management. Programs that combine several different approaches were shown to reduce marijuana and alcohol use among adolescents, researchers stated.
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
