Blueprints
Model Programs
Life Skills Training (LST)
Program
Summary
The results of over a dozen studies
consistently show that the Life Skills Training (LST)
program dramatically reduces tobacco, alcohol, and
marijuana use. These studies further show that the
program works with a diverse range of adolescents,
produces results that are long-lasting, and is effective
when taught by teachers, peer leaders, or health professionals.
Program Targets:
LST is a primary intervention that targets all middle/junior
high school students (initial intervention in grades
6 or 7, depending on the school structure, with booster
sessions in the two subsequent years).
Program Content:
LST is a three-year intervention designed to prevent
or reduce gateway drug use (i.e., tobacco, alcohol,
and marijuana), primarily implemented in school classrooms
by school teachers. The program is delivered in 15
sessions in year one, 10 sessions in year two, and
5 sessions in year three. Sessions, which last an
average of 45 minutes, can be delivered once a week
or as an intensive mini-course. The program consists
of three major components which teach students (1)
general self-management skills, (2) social skills,
and (3) information and skills specifically related
to drug use. Skills are taught using training techniques
such as instruction, demonstration, feedback, reinforcement,
and practice.
Program Outcomes:
Using outcomes averaged across more than a dozen studies
conducted with LST, it has been found to:
- Cut tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use 50% -
75%.
Long-term follow-up results observed six years following
the intervention show that LST:
- Cuts polydrug use up to 66%;
- Reduces pack-a-day smoking by 25%; and
- Decreases use of inhalants, narcotics, and hallucinogens.
Program Costs:
LST can be implemented at a cost of approximately
$7 per student per year (curriculum materials averaged
over the three-year period). This does not include
the cost of training which is a minimum of $2,000
per day for one or two days.
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