Alcohol prevention: What can be expected of a harm reduction focused school drug education programme?

• DOI: 10.3109/09687637.2011.639412
• Publication Date: 2011-12-19T15:24:40Z
• Authors: Richard Midford; Helen Cahill; Robyn Ramsden; Gillian Davenport; Lynne Venning; Leanne Lester; Bernadette Murphy; Michelle Pose
• Keywords: harm reduction; Drug education; Alcohol education

Aim: This pilot study investigated what alcohol prevention benefits could be achieved by a harm reduction focused school drug education intervention that addressed all use, both licit and illicit.Method: The population comprised cohort of 225 students in three secondary schools 93 matched control Victoria, Australia. A classroom programme, derived from evidence effective practice designed to reduce other harm, was provided the during years eight (13–14 year olds) nine (14–15 teachers trained its delivery. received programme normally their school.Findings: students, who intervention, were more knowledgeable about use issues, communicated with parents alcohol, drank less, got drunk experienced fewer related harms. They also remembered receiving lessons. were, however, no less likely have tried alcohol.Conclusions: findings are consistent studies demonstrated focuses on can reducing consumption, risk harm. In this study, even though not persuaded against taking up drinking, did focus solely alcohol. These implications for goals coverage future programmes.