Which approach is evidence-based for reducing student substance use?

Which approach is evidence-based for reducing student substance use?

• A. Policy enforcement and school-wide prevention curricula.
• B. Ignore policy.
• C. Peer-led programs.
• D. D.A.R.E.-style lectures.

Answer: (A)

The approach that combines policy enforcement and school-wide prevention curricula is evidence-based for reducing student substance use. Implementing clear, consistently enforced policies establishes expected norms and consequences, creating a predictable school climate where substance use is less acceptable. Pairing that with a comprehensive school-wide prevention curriculum provides structured, developmentally appropriate lessons that teach students skills to resist peer pressure, correct misperceptions about how common use is, and reinforce healthy choices. When these elements work together, they reinforce each other and produce more durable changes in behavior than any single tactic. Ignoring policy removes accountability and misses a key deterrent. D.A.R.E.-style lectures alone have not consistently demonstrated long-term reductions in student substance use, and while peer-led programs can be helpful, they often lack the breadth and rigorous evaluation of a full, evidence-informed school-wide plan.

The approach that combines policy enforcement and school-wide prevention curricula is evidence-based for reducing student substance use. Implementing clear, consistently enforced policies establishes expected norms and consequences, creating a predictable school climate where substance use is less acceptable. Pairing that with a comprehensive school-wide prevention curriculum provides structured, developmentally appropriate lessons that teach students skills to resist peer pressure, correct misperceptions about how common use is, and reinforce healthy choices. When these elements work together, they reinforce each other and produce more durable changes in behavior than any single tactic.

Ignoring policy removes accountability and misses a key deterrent. D.A.R.E.-style lectures alone have not consistently demonstrated long-term reductions in student substance use, and while peer-led programs can be helpful, they often lack the breadth and rigorous evaluation of a full, evidence-informed school-wide plan.