Preventing Drug Use by Youth Through Community Outreach: The Military's Pilot Programs

Preventing Drug Use by Youth Through Community Outreach: The Military's Pilot Programs

PI: Jonathan Caulkins

Funded by: Office of the Secretary of Defense

In response to a Congressional directive, the U.S. military established pilot community outreach programs to reduce the demand for illegal drugs among youth. RAND examined the appropriateness of military involvement in this arena and evaluated the pilot programs that were implemented. This study reports on the effectiveness of these programs, as well as their impact on the military. The research employed a literature review, background research, and supporting calculations to supplement site visits and telephone interviews with program administrators, staff, participating youth, parents, and community leaders. The study concluded that these programs benefit the military by giving military personnel the opportunity to interact directly with local youth. Analysis of the pilot programs suggested that the following six program attributes should guide future such programs: rely on volunteers, keep individual programs small, design programs locally, provide central leadership, target programs for youth at high risk for drug abuse (but not the most troubled youth), and do not rule out short programs.