Reference: Harmon, M. A. (1993). Reducing the risk of drug involvement among early adolescents: An evaluation of Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE). Evaluation Review, 17, 221-239.

Strategy: Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)

Matrix Dimensions:
X-axis: Individuals
Y-axis: General
Z-axis: Highly Proactive

Results: Mixed
Those that receive DARE significantly less likely to start using alcohol in year after program; no impact on cigarette or marijuana use; also some positive impact on attitudes

Methodological Rigor: Moderate- weak comparison group

Abstract: (from NCJRS) This article examines the effectiveness of the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program in Charleston County, South Carolina by comparing 341 fifth-grade DARE students to 367 non-DARE students. Significant differences were found in the predicted direction for alcohol use in the last year, belief in prosocial norms, association with drug-using peers, positive peer association, attitudes against substance use, and assertiveness. No differences were found on cigarette, tobacco, or marijuana use in the last year, frequency of any drug use in the past month, attitudes about police, coping strategies, attachment and commitment to school, rebellious behavior, and self-esteem.