About 15,500 seventh graders in Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, New Orleans, and St. Louis took part in early trials conducted by researchers at the Institute for Health and Social Policy at the University of Akron.

The researchers found that the students given the new curriculum were more likely to refuse drugs and had fewer misconceptions about how many of their peers use drugs, compared to students in a control group.

"It shows us that the program is doing what it intended to do, and in a very significant way," said Zili Sloboda, an epidemiologist at the Institute for Health and Social Policy and leader of the study.

The findings could mean that the anti-drug program, which is most frequently taught to fifth-graders, could be administered in elementary through high school. "These kids are prepared now. Now we've got to reinforce that when they enter the ninth grade," said Sloboda.

The researchers will continue to follow the students through their junior year in high school.

The original DARE curriculum, which was implemented in 80 percent of school districts, has been criticized over the last few years for being ineffective or not sufficiently tested. A study last August supported those beliefs.

The revised DARE curriculum, which will involve teachers rather than just police officers, includes more lifelike situations and helps students confront peer pressure more effectively.

The study was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

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