ABSTRACT
Both the schools and the media have begun to focus increased attention on drug use by adolescents. As both the prevalence and variety of substance use rises, public concern is growing over the significant long- and short-term consequences that threaten the physical and mental health of an entire generation. With substance abuse on the rise and cessation efforts complicated by established behavioral patterns and physiological changes, considerable effort currently is being focused on preventing the initiation of substance use. By preventing the initiation of substance use, the many problems that are associated with continued substance use may be stopped before they start. Following this same logic, and based on research that demonstrates a predictable progression of use from tobacco to alcohol, to marijuana, and potentially to drugs such as depressants or opiates (e.g., Kandel, 1978), the primary focus of a majority of prevention programs has been the prevention of smoking and tobacco use. Additionally, smoking prevention programs may provide an understanding of the fundamental principles of effective drug use prevention, and these principles may then provide the foundation for subsequent drug use prevention and cessation programs aimed at substances other than tobacco. Supporting this approach, some programs that are designed to prevent tobacco use have demonstrated significant effects on alcohol and marijuana use as well (e.g., Botvin, 1983).
