As a counselor for both in-class and online drug classes I have espoused that drug education needs to begin in early middle school and continued throughout high school. Laying a continued solid foundation of the dangers of drugs and how easily and quickly kids can become addicted is crucial to keeping our youth drug free.
A new study reported in parentingteens.about.com demonstrates the long-term effectiveness of a classroom-based prevention program targeting teen drug use. The study tracked 7th graders and found that their participation in the program produced long-lasting reduction in drug use 12 years later.
Good Results
The results of the study found that participants were 23% less likely to have ever used illicit drugs than were individuals who did not receive a classroom-based drug awareness program. They were also 22% less likely to have used marijuana and 26% less likely to have engaged in non-medical pill use (prescription drugs - such as amphetamines, barbiturates, and tranquilizers). Over 2,000 individuals participated in the follow up study; their average age at the 12-year follow-up was 24.
This study is the strongest example yet of how a continued approach starting very young may hold the answer to combating future drug addiction. I have long been a proponent of mandatory drug classes of about 24 hours, each year of middle and high school.