One initiative is known
to have a real effect on
teen substance
abuse — multi-pronged and aggressive public campaigns aimed at teens, such as the ones that have
led to historically low use of tobacco and alcohol, Volkow said.
Previous delinquency, substance
abuse, and
teen pregnancy prevention programs have been provided in the late elementary or middle school grades, just prior
to the ages when delinquent behavior, substance use, and sexual activity increase in prevalence.6, 7,31,32 Yet the social development model that guides the present intervention suggests that early and sustained intervention through the elementary grades should put children on a different developmental trajectory
leading to positive outcomes over the long term.