Project ALERT

 Project ALERT

Phone

(800) 253-7810

Best Foundation

Fax

(213) 623-0585

725 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 1615

Email

projectaler@best.org

Los Angeles, CA 90017

 

  

Program Description

Focus Area

Age Group

Substance Abuse Prevention

Middle School

7th and 8th Grades

Uses both 8-session curriculum and 3 booster sessions

Research Description

 Outcomes
  • curbed initiation of marijuana use for non-users and reduced current use for users
  • increased cigarette use

The following outcomes were not statistically significant:
  • moderately reduced drinking

Program effects have been criticized by experts within the field (Gorman, 1998).

 

Research Category

1, 4

Large Scale, Externally Reviewed Research

 Research Recognized by Other System (Drug Strategies: Making the Grade)

Design

Experimental

 

Multiple Studies

Yes

1993,1990

Sample Size

>50

Experimental Group=20 schools; Control Group= 10 schools; Total students=6,527 in both groups

Valid/ Reliable Instrument

Yes

Self-report survey of drug/alcohol use; saliva sample from students before survey administration as a objective measure of the validity of reported tobacco use

Results

Yes

Statistically significant. The effect size was not stated in the research reviewed.

Published

Yes

Science, 1990

Follow-up Data

Mostly Negative

Study was conducted 15 months after program participation. Results indicated that most effects were not sustained.

Award

N/A

The research reviewed did not indicate that the program received any awards.