A study done by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) reported that nearly one in seven teenagers has reported abusing an illicit drug, such as marijuana, in the past month (as of 2023). In addition, an investigation done by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that 7.8 percent of high school students reported having used an e-cigarette device. This seemingly small fraction is growing, and with youth overdose deaths almost doubling within the last decade, the effectiveness of drug prevention programs comes into question.

In Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS1), the majority of drug education for students occurs during the health program as part of the middle school gym class. During this class, students learn about the repercussions of taking drugs like marijuana, as well as tobacco products, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. In addition to this, material such as “Extreme Gross out Videos,” which graphically showcase what the use of drugs does to the body, is shown to students in an effort to deter the use of those substances.

The drug prevention curriculum in health class includes material on how to avoid situations where a person could be tempted to use drugs. Sophomore Abby Nash found the testimonials shared by people who have been affected by drugs in their lives most impactful, saying “the experiences [people] shared, like losing people to overdose,” is what really affected her most.

While Nash found that the class discouraged her from using substances, she stated areas where the material can be improved: “Honestly, I think [the curriculum] does need to be updated because there’s a lot more to it than there was back then.” The majority of the material shown dates back to the early 2000s. While the material is impactful in some cases, some areas clearly need improvement.

Drawing from his experience researching and examining substance abuse and risk behaviors among youth, Dr. Kenneth Griffin, a Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University, revealed the shortcomings of many drug prevention programs:

“Schools and administration often go wrong by implementing traditional prevention programs that rely solely on providing information about the long-term adverse health consequences of drug use. These approaches, sometimes using fear-arousal techniques, have been consistently shown to be ineffective in impacting drug use behavior.”

Such techniques are used in the drug prevention program used by FCPS1, which can decrease the effect the program has, contributing to the rise in teen overdose deaths.

To increase the effectiveness of the program, Dr. Griffin commented, “A successful drug prevention program looks like a comprehensive competence enhancement approach that targets multiple risk and protective factors.”

More precisely, this means students would be given material and situations that target specific risk factors to increase their competence and decision-making skills.

Programs using these techniques have the following characteristics: First, they are guided by a comprehensive framework that addresses multiple risk factors. Second, teaches students to resist peer and media influences. Third, includes competence enhancement training targeting skills such as assertiveness, decision-making, self-management, and coping to build their resistance to outside influences. Fourth, the program provides accurate and up-to-date information, dispelling the misconception that use is everyday. Fifth, uses interactive methods such as facilitated discussion, structured small-group activities and role-playing scenarios that promote skill acquisition and engage students. Lastly, the program adapts to its target audience.

The introduction of these valuable and effective strategies into FCPS1’s drug prevention program could lead to a decrease in teenage opioid overdoses, saving lives.