Randomized Controlled Evaluation of the Too Good for Drugs Prevention Program: Impact on Adolescents at Different Risk Levels for Drug Use

Abstract

Sixth graders participating in the Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) prevention program in comparison to 6th graders not participating show different results by student risk level. Sixth graders from 20 middle schools were randomly assigned to receive the intervention and those from 20 paired middle schools assigned to serve as controls ( N = 10,762). Participants were identified as low, moderate, or high risk for drug usage based on their rates of behaviors reported prior to the start of the study. Student behavior outcomes (smoking, alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and marijuana usage) as well as risk and protective (R&P) outcomes were surveyed at three points in time (before, after, and 6 months following treatment). Results show the TGFD to have a suppressive effect on reported drug use behavior and a strengthening effect on R&P outcomes among high risk students following treatment and 6 months later. Some effects were also found for low and moderate risk students. A favorable treatment effect was found on mathematics achievement.