Peer acceleration: effects of a social network tailored substance abuse prevention program among high-risk adolescents

  1. Thomas W. Valente,
  2. Anamara Ritt-Olson,
  3. Alan Stacy,
  4. Jennifer B. Unger,
  5. Janet Okamoto,
  6. Steve Sussman

Article first published online: 3 SEP 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2007.01992.x

Issue

Addiction

Addiction

Volume 102, Issue 11, pages 1804–1815, November 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Valente, T. W., Ritt-Olson, A., Stacy, A., Unger, J. B., Okamoto, J. and Sussman, S. (2007), Peer acceleration: effects of a social network tailored substance abuse prevention program among high-risk adolescents. Addiction, 102: 1804–1815. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2007.01992.x

Author Information

  1. Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Department of Preventive Medicine, CA, USA

*Thomas W. Valente, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1000 Fremont Ave, Unit 8, Bldg A Room 5133, Alhambra, CA 91803, USA. E-mail: tvalente@usc.edu

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 3 SEP 2007
  2. Article first published online: 3 SEP 2007
  3. Submitted 30 January 2007; initial review completed 23 April 2007; final version accepted 2 July 2007

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Keywords:

  • Adolescents;
  • peer influence;
  • students;
  • social networks;
  • school-based prevention;
  • substance use

ABSTRACT

Objective  To test whether a social network tailored substance abuse prevention program can reduce substance use among high-risk adolescents without creating deviancy training (iatrogenic effects).

Methods  A classroom randomized controlled trial comparing control classes with those receiving an evidence-based substance use prevention program [Towards No Drug Abuse (TND)] and TND Network, a peer-led interactive version of TND. Students (n = 541, mean age 16.3 years) in 75 classes from 14 alternative high schools completed surveys before and approximately 1 year after curriculum delivery. Past-month use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and cocaine were assessed.

Results  Overall, TND Network was effective in reducing substance use. However, the program effect interacted with peer influence and was effective mainly for students who had peer networks that did not use substances. Students with classroom friends who use substances were more likely to increase their use.

Conclusions  A peer-led interactive substance abuse prevention program can accelerate peer influences. For students with a peer environment that supports non-use, the program was effective and reduced substance use. For students with a peer environment that supports substance use, an interactive program may have deleterious effects.

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