title: The motivation, skills, and decision-making model of "drug abuse" prevention.
abstract: This article summarizes the theoretical basis for targeted prevention programs as they apply to different high-risk groups. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of different definitions of risk and discuss strategies for preventing drug use related problems in high-risk youth. Productive prevention programs for many at-risk groups share similar components, including those that address motivation, skills, and decision making. We present key aspects of these three components and link them to theories in clinical psychology, social psychology, sociology, and chemical dependence treatment. Among a total of 29 promising targeted prevention programs, we describe examples of empirically evaluated, intensive interventions that have made a positive impact on the attitudes and behavior of multiple problem youth. Incorporating the perspectives of multiple disciplines appears essential for progress in drug abuse and other problem behavior prevention.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Preventive Medicine and Psychology, Institute for Prevention Research, University of Southern California, Alhambra, California 91803, USA. ssussma@hsc.usc.edu
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sussman
authors.forename: Mitchell
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Earleywine
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wills
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cody
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Biglan
authors.forename: Clyde W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Dent
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Newcomb
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012924:Social Conditions; D012961:Sociology / Q000639:trends; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*