Too Good for Drugs

This prevention program is offered to elementary schools in Wayne counties to prevent future use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD).  The methodology of the program model is research-based, SAMHSA-endorsed as a “best practice” approach.  The program builds five essential life skills: goal setting, decision making, bonding with pro-social others, identifying/managing emotions, and communicating effectively. In comparison to students who did not receive Too Good For Drugs, national research has shown that students who participated in the program decreased intentions to smoke cigarettes by 33%, decreased intentions to drink alcohol by 38%, and decreased intentions to smoke marijuana by 25%.  TGFD has also been shown to increase emotional competence and social and peer resistance skills.  

Sequential curriculum modules (generally 10 lessons to each class group on different days) are presented by 1 or 2 prevention staffers to students in  grades K-3. Modules are sequential in nature, as each new module builds on content of the previous module.  Class groups generally last 30 minutes and are held in the student’s’ home classrooms during the typical class hours of the school day.  No programming is presented during the school year’s summer recess.     

 

Delivery Strategy:

Program staff use an interactive - didactic educational model to profile pragmatic real-life situations that may arise regarding use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.  Teachers complete Pre and Post Test surveys for the 3rd grade only, and teachers and parents complete program evaluations for all grades (1st to 3rd).

Children participate in the program during school hours and interact with their parents at home after school to complete brief ATOD learning assignments - accordingly, parents have an active involvement.

This program’s strength comes from its integrated model involving the child, parent, and educator while emphasizing the positive, healthy development of children and youth – it doesn’t rely on “scare tactics” of other programming focusing on moral absolutes or the illegal consequences of under-age alcohol/drug/tobacco usage.  The program is a good fit with local schools, and the local program is easily replicated with fidelity to the principles of the researched model.  

 

Other Core Features:

Area schools who have hosted the program are positive about its benefits, and prevention staff are typically requested to repeat the curriculum to new classes in the following school year. Teachers may or may not assist with presentation of the prevention curriculum modules.