Application of a Cumulative Strategies Model for Drug Abuse Prevention: Exploring Choices for High Risk Children

Abstract

The current state of knowledge, as indicated by existing literature, is extremely limited in terms of published descriptions of drug abuse prevention programs targeting high risk children, such as children from drug abusing families. A Cumulative Strategies Model posits four basic principals for effective prevention for high risk children and guides prevention program design. Representing a Cumulative Strategies Model, described herein is a multicomponent prevention program that is theory-driven, risk-based, and targets children affected by familial alcohol abuse. Three components of this program and specific methods of implementing each component are discussed, and field reactions are reviewed.