ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the guiding principles and development of a seven-session program for youth and families designed to reduce substance use during the teen years by building healthy relationships. The two major principles guiding the building of the program were using a strength-based approach and an interactive style of teaching in which the participants take part in every activity through discussion, learning games, role plays and direct application of the ideas to everyday life. Practical issues are also discussed including best ways to recruit families and train facilitators. We present strategies about how to build activities designed to reduce risks and build protective factors related to adolescent substance use. Examples of specific games and projects are given to show ways of engaging participants in active involvement that make the sessions fun and help with both recruitment and retention. Refinements made to the original program as it was disseminated through state, national and international trainings are also presented.
