Evidence Based Substance Abuse Prevention Education Programs

Evidence Based Programs. Most evidence based substance abuse prevention education programs are sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration known as SAMHSA. According to Skager (2007), SAMSHA has developed over 158 programs which are qualified and registered into the National Registry of Evidence Based Programs and Practices (NREPP). Although evidence based approaches have been predicted to have more promising effects on drug prevention than other approach types, little evaluation and research has been conducted to fully assess outcomes (Skager, 2007). Current Laws/Policies Regarding Substance Abuse Education General Law Chapter 71 Section 96 According to the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,†¦show more content†¦Similarly to the previous law mention, this piece of legislation also had the majority of its support from the Democratic side as Democratic representatives from the House and Senate outweighed Republican representatives during the time it was submitted as well (Civic Impulse, 2015). According to the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this law states that public schools may provide prevention education addressing issues such as drug, alcohol, and tobacco use among other areas such as disease, violence, bullying, etc. In addition, this policy allows the school board to come up with what curriculum should be implemented and what areas of education should be considered. Bill S.259 (2011-2012) According to the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, during the 2011-2012 session, Bill S.259 named An Act relative to comprehensive health education attempted to amend, strike, and add language to General Law Chapter 69 Section 1D. This bill stated that health education shall be age appropriate, medically accurate, and evidence based when it comes to areas of instruction to include tobacco use, alcohol use, and substance use/abuse prevention. This bill had the support of sponsors, Steven A. Tolman, Carlos Henriquez, and Thomas Menino, all from the Democratic Party. Although the bill was favored by many, no further