Effectiveness of a Multidimensional Prevention Program on Reducing Substance Trends among Young People

Based on a variety of theories, many factors are usually related to the etiology of addiction. Furthermore, the better prevention plans are those how able to reduce the effects of the involved factors at earlier ages. In this regard, the objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multidimensional training program on the reduction of the tendency to drug use. 172 male volunteers between the age of 17 and 20 were studied in two training centers (82 people in the experimental group, and 90 people in the control group). This program included teaching the experimental group about the following: Life skills, the need to keep a healthy body, about drugs, and coping methods for stress. The effectiveness of the program was measured in both pretest and posttest by measuring the amount of positive attitude to drugs. There was not a significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores of the risk taking scale in attitude toward drugs in the control group before and after program (p < .05). Moreover, comparing the scores of the subjects in the control group under the same conditions without training showed a non significant difference (p > .05). Holding life skill training programs for young people reduces the positive attitude of these people toward drugs, and is generally effective in the prevention of drug addiction.

Citation: Dabaghi, P., & Valipour, H. (2016). Effectiveness of a multidimensional prevention program on reducing substance trends among young people. Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, 3, 77-85.