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Educationally Disadvantaged Older Youth: Alcohol and Drug Use |
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Alcohol and drug use can have many negative consequences. In the short
term, substance abuse impairs judgment and the ability to function. In the
long term, it may lead to negative effects on health, social functioning,
and educational outcomes (Baer, MacLean, & Marlatt, 1998). Two
programs lowered alcohol or drug use (ASTP, JS). Participants in the
Alcohol Skills Training Program reported consuming fewer drinks per week
than youths in the control group, both at the end of the program and 12
months later (ASTP1). Participants also reported a lower peak blood
alcohol level and less heavy drinking during the follow-up period (ASTP1).
Participants in JOBSTART reported significantly less drug use per person
than those in the control group at the time of the evaluation (JS2).
Studies of Job Corps revealed no significant impact on drug and alcohol
use (JC1, JC2), but the program does not specifically seek to reduce
behaviors that pose a risk to health.
Overall, findings are mixed. Programs for older youths are effective at
reducing participants' use of alcohol and drugs, but not at increasing
their use of contraceptives. Moreover, many other behaviors that pose a
health risk are not targeted by programs for older youths.
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