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Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Misuse Prevention and Cessation Programming for Alternative High School Youth: A Review
Author(s) -
Sussman Steve,
Arriaza Bridget,
Grigsby Timothy J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12200
Subject(s) - medicine , population , substance abuse prevention , evidence based practice , psychiatry , drug prevention , substance abuse , coping (psychology) , smoking cessation , medical education , alternative medicine , environmental health , pathology
BACKGROUND Relative to youth in regular high schools, alternative high school (AHS) youth are at high risk for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) misuse. Prevention and cessation efforts are needed for this population. METHODS A systematic, exhaustive literature search was completed to identify ATOD misuse prevention and cessation research studies with AHS youth. RESULTS For the AHS population, 23 ATOD misuse prevention or cessation program evaluations were located. This review indicated that successful efforts have focused on instruction in motivation enhancement, life coping skills, and decision making. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse prevention and cessation programming for AHSs is effective, delivered in the classroom or as a school‐based clinic. There is little evidence, though, that this programming is effective when delivered through other modalities such as via computer or bridging beyond the school setting. More research and application of evidence‐based programming are recommended for youth in AHS settings.