Benefits Derived from Drug Education for Former Abusers and Offenders

A study was undertaken to determine the potential of substance abuse education as a component of an aftercare program. A group of former abusers, half of whom had been incarcerated, participated in a university substance abuse education course. Knowledge, attitudes and drug usage were measured prior and subsequent to the course. Similar data were gathered on regular college students. The former abusers/offenders increased their knowledge significantly, became significantly less accepting in some attitudes, and showed non-significant reductions in drug use. No detrimental effects accrued to college students in the same classroom with the former abusers/offenders.