HeadOn
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
HeadOn: Substance Abuse Prevention for Grades 6-8 is a self-guided, interactive program that delivers substance abuse prevention science to middle school-aged adolescents by means of computer-based educational technologies that effectively teach key skills and information. The program primarily targets the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana but also includes lessons on opiates, inhalants, and stimulants. HeadOn is intended to be delivered in 15 sessions during the academic year or can be used at home. Each session is 30 to 45 minutes long.
Program modules are presented through various interactive technologies and are integrated by a "cab driver" (a narrator), who introduces the program user to various "neighborhoods" where he or she can access the modules. The modules address various classes of drugs and their immediate and long-term effects. They also cover the risks of drug experimentation, consequences of drug use, the risk of misusing prescription drugs, and misconceptions about peer drug use. They teach drug refusal skills, resistance to advertisements for drugs, social skills training, and self-management skills training.
Program modules are presented through various interactive technologies and are integrated by a "cab driver" (a narrator), who introduces the program user to various "neighborhoods" where he or she can access the modules. The modules address various classes of drugs and their immediate and long-term effects. They also cover the risks of drug experimentation, consequences of drug use, the risk of misusing prescription drugs, and misconceptions about peer drug use. They teach drug refusal skills, resistance to advertisements for drugs, social skills training, and self-management skills training.
Goal / Mission
The HeadOn program is designed to promote well-known protective factors based on both the social-influence model of drug use and a generalized skills-training model.
Results / Accomplishments
The program was evaluated using a quasi-experimental design with a pretest and posttest. Participants in the HeadOn group demonstrated significantly higher levels of accuracy in objective knowledge about drug abuse prevention relative to the participants in the Life Skills Training program. Both groups had comparable levels at baseline. At baseline the HeadOn group reported greater cigarette and substance use. The posttest revealed marked decreases in cigarette use for both groups, but the comparison group reported significantly lower rates. At posttest the HeadOn group reported a significantly greater reduction in their alcohol use, causing the two groups to have similar posttest rates. Participants in the HeadOn and Life Skills groups achieved comparable positive outcomes in self-reported intentions to use substances, attitudes toward substances, confidence in their ability to refuse a drug offer, and beliefs about the prevalence of substance use among both their peers and adults.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
HealthSim, Inc.
Primary Contact
Dr. Warren K. Bickel, Ph.D.
HealthSim, Inc.
262 West 38th Street, Suite 1706
New York, NY 10018
(888) 897-4957
warren.bickel@healthsim.com
http://www.preventionsciencemedia.com/
HealthSim, Inc.
262 West 38th Street, Suite 1706
New York, NY 10018
(888) 897-4957
warren.bickel@healthsim.com
http://www.preventionsciencemedia.com/
Topics
Health / Alcohol & Drug Use
Health / Adolescent Health
Health / Adolescent Health
Organization(s)
HealthSim, Inc.
Target Audience
Children, Teens