Youth Alcohol and Drug Prevention

Where can I find more information on drug prevention for youth?

SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) is a one-stop resource for information about prevention. For publications and materials specific to youth prevention programs, visit the NCADI youth page. NCADI staff members are also available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-729-6686 and can recommend appropriate materials, conduct customized searches, and make referrals to appropriate organizations.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has produced an InfoFact sheet called "Lessons from Prevention Research" that provides 16 principles that parents, educators and community leaders can use to implement drug prevention programs at the community level.

Anti-Drug.com was created as part of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's (ONDCP) National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign to provide an extensive drug prevention information center and a supportive community for parents and caregivers to interact and learn.

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What programs exist to prevent youth from using drugs and alcohol?

Research shows that early intervention involving families, schools and/or communities can prevent many risk behaviors in youth before they begin. This is especially true with drug and alcohol addiction, which is why prevention programs have become a priority in dealing with the problem of youth drug and alcohol use. It is important to find a program that is based on research and which has been shown to be effective.

Some resources for information on addiction prevention programs include:

• The Northeast Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT) provides access to a Database of Prevention Programs that categorizes information on programs approved by a variety of federal research agencies, and which can be searched by age group. The database also provides information on the effectiveness of these programs.
• The U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention provides information on statewide prevention programs for college students as well as technical assistance and training.
• The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) has an online list of Model Programs for preventing or reducing substance use among youth.
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides information about the latest science-based drug abuse publications and teaching materials. Information can be found online at the NIDA Goes Back to School website and the NIDA website for Teens.

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Where can I get information on how to implement effective youth addiction prevention programs?

National Centers for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPTs) The five regional CAPTs (Central, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Western) provide local information and education about effective science-based drug and alcohol use prevention strategies as well as training and assistance. The Central CAPT provides links to training and technical assistance for youth prevention programs. For more information, contact Christine Rosga, Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator at 1-800-782-1878.

The National Student Assistance Association can provide information about Student Assistance Programs such as staff development, school board policy, and educational student support groups. (800-257-6310)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has produced an InfoFact sheet called "Lessons from Prevention Research" with 16 principles that parents, educators and community leaders can use to implement drug prevention programs at the community level.

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Is drug testing currently allowed in schools?

In June 2002, the Supreme Court expanded the authority of high schools to test students enrolled in extracurricular activities for drug use. However, communities and schools have been left to make a decision about whether or not to implement testing. Before a drug-testing program is introduced, it is essential that resources are in place to deal with students who test positive for drug use. This should include providing addiction treatment services and education for children and their parents.

For more information on drug testing in schools we recommend two booklets:

• The Office of National Drug Control Policy produces a booklet called "What you Need to Know about Drug Testing in Schools." This booklet is designed to assist educators, parents, and community leaders in determining whether student drug testing is appropriate for their schools.
• The American Civil Liberties Union and The Drug Policy Alliance sponsor a booklet called "Making Sense of Student Drug Testing: Why Educators are Saying No." This booklet demonstrates the problems inherent in random student drug testing and outlines promising alternatives to testing.

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