Brief prevention for adolescent risk-taking behavior

Aims Despite widespread prevention efforts to decrease adolescent risk‐taking, substance use and driving after drinking (DD) are prevalent in the United States. The current study compared the efficacy of an abbreviated version of Drug Abuse and Resistance Education (DARE‐A) to a new Risk Skills Training Program (RSTP). Design Adolescent participation in drinking, drug use, DD and riding with a drunk driver was examined longitudinally. After baseline assessments, adolescents were randomly assigned to the RSTP, DARE‐A or a no intervention control group and then completed 2‐month post‐test and 6‐month follow‐up assessments. Setting Adolescents attended a mid‐sized suburban high school. Participants The sample (N = 300) was comprised of 58% females and the age range was 14–19 years. Intervention The RSTP was developed to target several risk behaviors and to examine the feasibility of conducting a brief personalized prevention program in a group setting. DARE‐A focused on increasing knowledge and understanding the deleterious effects of substance use. Measurements Risk‐taking behavior, perception of peer risk‐taking and positive and negative alcohol expectancies were assessed. Findings RSTP participants decreased participation in several risk behaviors at post‐test, but reductions were not maintained at 6‐month follow‐up. The control and DARE‐A groups increased their positive and decreased their negative alcohol expectancies. The control group increased their alcohol consumption. Conclusions Results suggest that a brief, personalized, group prevention program is a feasible approach to reducing adolescent risk‐taking. Strategies must be developed to solidify these positive changes so that they are longer‐lasting.