How targeting teenage drug use before it starts seems to be paying off

A groundbreaking drug prevention program that originated in Montreal has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of substance use disorders in teenagers by providing them with the tools and strategies to cope with personality traits such as impulsivity and anxiety. The PreVenture program, developed by Patricia Conrod, a psychiatry professor at the Université de Montréal and a scientist at Sainte-Justine hospital, targets specific personality traits that may lead teens to turn to substance use as a way to cope.

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers examined the impact of the PreVenture program in 31 high schools in the Montreal area over a five-year period. The study found that the program helped reduce the growth in the odds of developing a substance use disorder by 35% year over year, compared to a control group. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the program in providing teenagers with valuable insights into their own personalities and equipping them with coping strategies to manage their traits.

The program, which consists of two 90-minute workshops delivered in Grade 7, utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, interactive exercises, and group discussions to help students identify and address personality-specific coping mechanisms. By focusing on traits such as impulsivity, sensation seeking, anxiety sensitivity, and hopelessness, the PreVenture program empowers teenagers to develop healthier ways of dealing with their emotions and challenges.

Students who have participated in the program have reported positive outcomes. Fara Thifault, a Grade 7 student at Collège de Montréal, shared how the workshops helped her recognize and manage her negative thoughts, ultimately leading her to feel better. Similarly, Grade 10 student Romane Roussel expressed that she has become less impulsive and more in control of her actions by utilizing the techniques learned in the workshops.

While the PreVenture program has shown promising results, there is a need for sustained funding to ensure its widespread implementation in schools across the country. According to Christine Schwartz, an adjunct professor at the Children’s Health Policy Centre at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, policy-makers often prioritize treatment over prevention when addressing substance use issues. However, investing in prevention programs like PreVenture can have long-term benefits in reducing the prevalence of substance use disorders among teenagers.

Justin Phillips, a parent who tragically lost her son Aaron to a heroin overdose in 2013, emphasized the importance of prevention in addressing substance use issues. Phillips, who founded Overdose Lifeline to support families dealing with addiction, believes that equipping young people with the tools to recognize and manage their personality traits can make a significant difference in preventing substance use disorders.

Moving forward, it is crucial for federal and provincial governments to allocate resources towards implementing evidence-based prevention programs like PreVenture in schools nationwide. By prioritizing prevention before treatment, we can empower teenagers to make healthier choices and ultimately reduce the impact of substance use disorders on individuals and communities.