Can School-Based Educational Programs Really Be Expected to Solve the Adolescent Drug Abuse Problem?

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Abstract
The recommendation of a 1984 Rand Corporation report that the most effective way to prevent adolescent drug abuse is through preventive education is reviewed within the context of theories related to the causes of drug abuse integrated with the PRECEDE model of health education program planning. It is concluded that many of the variables which influence adolescents to begin use of psychoactive substances are not within the purview of schools. Therefore, the Rand recommendation should only be accepted if three conditions are met: 1) there should be a consistent governmental policy toward drug education including funding for curriculum development, teacher training, implementation, evaluation and maintenance; 2) there should be special educational intervention programs for high risk children; and 3) specific strategies should be developed and implemented to elicit active support from social institutions besides schools.