Selecting an alcohol and other drug prevention program in times of declining resources.

Abstract: 

This article reviews the most effective alcohol and other drug prevention programs used in higher education. As all campuses are unique, selection of programming depends on the campus setting and overall environment. Individually focused programs are generally divided into three major categories: (a) Educational/awareness approaches, (b) cognitive-behavioral approaches, and (c) motivational enhancement techniques. After careful review of the current practices in alcohol and other drug prevention programs, the most effective programs appear to include a combination of techniques. These programs are specific enough to focus on the unique needs of students at individual campuses, but are general enough to be utilized on most campuses with small modifications. The individually focused programs showed varied degrees of success with cognitive-behavioral approaches ranked positively, while educational/awareness programs generally proved to be not as successful. For programs to be successful it takes a combination of individual and environmental strategies along with a consortium of students, campus and community leaders, business owners, and other stakeholders to work together toward this common goal.