Is D.A.R.E. effective in reducing drug use and anti-social behavior?
• Independent studies show that D.A.R.E. promotes positive behaviors, with positive effects retained for at least one year after the most recent exposure to D.A.R.E. material. Even the most critical evaluations indicate that D.A.R.E. has a measurable impact on adolescent alcohol use and abuse. While there has been debate in some quarters about D.A.R.E.’s effectiveness, D.A.R.E. has been clearly shown to make a difference. Evaluations show significant differences between students receiving D.A.R.E. and those who do not, in terms of their drug use and gang involvement. The D.A.R.E. curriculum consistently has been shown to improve skills that help students resist risk-taking behaviors and peer influences that might lead to drug use. From its name, D.A.R.E. would seem to be primarily a substance abuse prevention program. Why is it also described as a violence prevention and safety promotion curriculum. Drug abuse is not the only behavior addressed by the D.A.R.E. curriculum because D.A.R.
