Adolescent Harm Reduction in the Classroom

• In Event: Drugs: Markets and Policy Considerations

Abstract

This paper is the result of a process and outcome evaluation of the Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens. A common reason for the negative outcomes of drug education programs is linked to failure to engage student interest, because they are not developmentally appropriate or because activities are too abstract to be meaningful to the student group. Harm reduction programs showed greater success rates but unfortunately only two classroom based harm reduction studies were found. They showed significant increase in student's drug related knowledge and students were less likely to consume substances, and less likely to consume to harmful levels. More studies are necessary to evidence harm reduction efficacy. This mixed-methods evaluation measured the following objectives through pre and post surveys, focus groups and interviews: 1) Used critical thinking skills to access and evaluate information about alcohol and other drugs; 2) Learned decision making and goal setting skills that helped healthy decision making related to substance use; 3) Developed personal and social strategies to manage the risks, benefits and harms of alcohol and other drug use; 4) Understood the impact of drug policies on personal and community health; and 5) Learned how to advocate for health oriented drug policies.

Author

• Nina Rose Fischer, John Jay College of Criminal Justice