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The Irrelevance of Evidence in the Development of School-Based Drug Prevention Policy, 1986-1996

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  • D.M. Gorman

    (Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey)

Abstract

This article examines developments in school-based drug prevention policy and programming since the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986. Using data from national surveys and evaluations of school-based programs, it argues, first, that there was really no need for a massive infusion of money into school-based drug prevention in the late 1980s, and, second, that there was little or no evidence to indicate that a "new generation" of effective programs, based on the so-called social influence model, was emerging at this time. Despite the infusion ofresources into school- based prevention efforts, adolescent drug use has risen in recent years. Moreover, evaluations continue to show that the effectiveness of social influence programs is very much in the eye of the beholder. Fundamental questions need to be asked of school-based drug prevention—just as they should be asked of other key components of our current drug control policy .

Suggested Citation

  • D.M. Gorman, 1998. "The Irrelevance of Evidence in the Development of School-Based Drug Prevention Policy, 1986-1996," Evaluation Review, , vol. 22(1), pages 118-146, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:22:y:1998:i:1:p:118-146
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X9802200106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. 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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    Cited by:

    1. 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.

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