"This publication does not offer a pre-packaged programme of education for drug abuse prevention that can be picked up and implemented. It is rather an attempt to provide a conceptual basis upon which teachers, policy makers and school administrators can make decisions about school based drug prevention programmes in order to achieve greater success in education terms" -- p. 6.

As the nation's drug crisis has deepened, public and private agencies have invested huge sums of money in prevention efforts. Are the resulting programs effective? What do we need to know to make them more effective? This book provides a comprehensive overview on what we know about drug abuse prevention and its effectiveness, including: Results of a wide range of antidrug efforts. The role and effectiveness of mass media in preventing drug use. A profile of the drug problem, including a look at drug use by different population groups. A review of three major schools of prevention theory-risk factor reduction, developmental change, and social influence. An examination of promising prevention techniques from other areas of health and human services. This volume offers provocative findings on the connection between low self-esteem and drug use, the role of schools, the reality of changing drug use in the population, and more. Preventing Drug Abuse will be indispensable to anyone involved in the search for solutions, including policymakers, anti-drug program developers and administrators, and researchers.

Sunnys Story brings to light one of the most critical issues facing children, parents and educators today. Parents are challenged with discussing the dangers of alcohol and other drugs with their children. Having the courage to face hard issues is the first step in keeping children safe. Through the voice of the family dog, and in a tender and thoughtful way, Sunnys Story is an effective tool to approach this topic. This story opens a dialogue between parents and their children. It teaches parents about what children are exposed to everyday. Children will obtain a clear understanding of how their choices affect their life and the lives of those close to them.