SBIR-STTR Award

The long-term objective is to develop, implement, and field test a program to provide parents, and adolescents who are experimenting with, but not yet addicted to drugs, with the knowledge and skills to intervene in such use and preclude its progression to addiction. The program will be based on research-validated risk factors known to be predictive of potential drug abuse, and a model of social development in relationship to family, school, peer, and community groups. The program will concentrate on those risk factors which can be addressed within the social group of the family or extended family, and will be designed to be delivered by professional counselors or intervention specialists. Post-training evaluations of our present prevention program "Preparing for the Drug Free Years" indicate a large demand for an equivalent early intervention program. Phase I will research additional content requirements, the most effective delivery techniques, redraft a preliminary curriculum on the basis of the information gathered, and draft a program to train leaders of the family program.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:The program will be used by schools as a parent/family component of a student assistance program, as an intervention program or parents of court-ordered referrals of juvenile substance users, or as a parent/family component for programs offered by drug abuse treatment organizations.National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

The long term objective is to implement and field test a program to provide parents and adolescents, who are experimenting with, but not yet addicted to drug use, with the knowledge and skills to intervene in such use and preclude adolescent progression to substance abuse. Because of Phase I research, the focus has expanded additionally to risk oriented sexual behavior, school drop out, and other related and significant health and behavior problems that can arise especially during the adolescent years. The program will concentrate on those risk factors which can be addressed within the social group of the family, and will be delivered by trained counselors or student assistance professionals. It will be video-assisted with take home materials provided to support long term application and retention of information and skills. Phase II will produce the necessary training aids including video tapes, workbooks, handouts, overhead transparencies and other related materials. The program will develop effective means of recruiting and enrolling families. During Phase II, we will field test the program in at least 5 areas with emphasis on cultural and ethnic diversity.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research: The program will be used by schools and other social agencies as a parent/family component of student assistance programs as well as general family training/learning opportunities. It can be used as an intervention program for parents of court-ordered referrals of juvenile substance users and other social problems, or as a parent/family component for programs offered by drug abuse treatment organizations or organizations dealing with family and adolescent problems. The program will utilize an explicit risk reduction foundation. The material will be based from extensive research along with tested methods for skills training. Video assistance will provide for long term retention and application.National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)