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The making of evidence-based practice: The case of Project ALERT

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  • Gorman, Dennis M.
  • Conde, Eugenia

Abstract

Evidence-based practice has been enthusiastically embraced within the field of drug prevention during the past decade. Project ALERT, a school-based universal prevention program, is among the most widely advocated evidence-based interventions. We examined the results of three large-scale evaluations of Project ALERT, and concluded that assessment of data from the total samples shows that the program has little effect on drug use. Despite this, Project ALERT is included on evidence-based drug prevention lists because the criteria for inclusion are extremely weak. We discuss the implications of this for drug prevention evaluation research and the creation of evidence-based practice lists.

Suggested Citation

  • Gorman, Dennis M. & Conde, Eugenia, 2010. "The making of evidence-based practice: The case of Project ALERT," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 214-222, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:32:y:2010:i:2:p:214-222
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    1. Littell, Julia H., 2005. "Lessons from a systematic review of effects of multisystemic therapy," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 445-463, April.
    2. Ellickson, P.L. & McCaffrey, D.F. & Ghosh-Dastidar, B. & Longshore, D.L., 2003. "New Inroads in Preventing Adolescent Drug Use: Results from a Large-Scale Trial of Project ALERT in Middle Schools," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(11), pages 1830-1836.
    3. Ellickson, P.L. & Bell, R.M. & McGuigan, K., 1993. "Preventing adolescent drug use: Long-term results of a junior high program," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 83(6), pages 856-861.
    4. Gorman, D. M., 2002. "Defining and operationalizing `research-based' prevention: a critique (with case studies) of the US Department of Education's Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools Exemplary Programs," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 295-302, August.
    5. Gorman, D.M., 1994. "Preventing adolescent drug use: the effectiveness of Project ALERT," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 84(3), pages 500-501.
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