Adolescents are developmentally more vulnerable to risk behavior engagement. And the behaviors we experiment with and engage in during this stage are likely to remain with us into adulthood. This means the more we can encourage healthy behaviors now, the more likely they will persist later.
Key questions related to substance use prevention are:
- How effective are evidence-based substance use prevention efforts in contexts of legalized cannabis?
- How effective are youth participatory action research approaches for substance use prevention?
- Is program delivery in an online setting as effective as in-person?
Related Projects
Adapting Strengthening Families Program 10-14
In efforts funded by SAMHSA and USDA, we are adapting Strengthening Families Program 10-14 (SFP 10-14) in two ways. One for implementation in a legalized cannabis context and another to incorporate opioid-specific content and connect with community treatment and recovery providers.
Available project resources include:
- Development of a virtual toolkit for implementing SFP 10-14 online
- An online community of practice for SFP 10-14 facilitators. To sign up, complete the survey
Youth Participatory Action Research
Funded by SAMSHA and Washington State Health Care Authority, we have implemented youth participatory action research projects in key communities across the state and are supporting capacity among prevention professionals for delivery of youth participatory action research approaches. You can see YPAR youth in action highlighted in the following media stories:
- Teens lead prevention efforts surrounding rural opioid addiction
- Fox28, Spokane, WA coverage
- KHQ, Spokane, WA coverage
- Clallam County 4-H page
- Sequim Gazette coverage
Available project resources include:
- An online community of practice for YPAR facilitators. To sign up, please reach out to us at croptr.contact@wsu.edu
- A introductory webinar on YPAR