Drug and Alcohol Education Programs: A Review of Outcome Studies

Outcome studies of the effectiveness of drug and alcohol education programs are reviewed. Studies were examined that dealt with student populations as well as adult programs. In addition, specific population variables and methods of presentation were evaluated for their impact on the education process. The data indicate that these programs have been ineffective in obtaining the goals of reducing substance abuse or preventing future abuse. Among student populations there is evidence to suggest that these programs may exacerbate the use and sale of drugs and alcohol. The data on programs with adults are more encouraging though far from conclusive. Suggestions for future outcome studies in the area are enumerated with emphasis on the variety of methodological problems that exist in the literature to date.