An emphasis on social influences such as advertising and media as well as the influence of friends (peer resistance skills training) and family members as role models are an important part of the Comprehensive, Multi-Component Approach. Research has shown that a focus on social influences is a critical aspect of effective drug prevention education.

Supporting Citation:

Epstein,J., Botvin,G., Baker,E. & Diaz,T. (1999). Impact of social influences and problem behavior on alcohol use among inner-city hispanic and black adolescents. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 60(5), p. 595-604.

Hawkins, W.B., Catalano, R.F. & Miller, J.Y. (1992). Risk and protective factors for alcohol and other drug problems in adolescence and early adulthood: Implications for substance abuse prevention. Pscyhological Bulletin, 112(1), 64-105.

Scott,D.M., Surface,J.L., Friedli,D. & Barlow,T.W. (1999). Effectiveness of Student Assistance Programs in Nebraska schools. Journal of Drug Education, 29(2) p. 165-174.