Reducing the risks for substance abuse

Since about 1980, substance abuse prevention programs have taken a youth-based, "zero-tolerance" approach. Significant increases in abstinence have followed, but so have simultaneous increases in high-risk use.

Arguing that the basic assumptions of this approach are flawed, authors Raymond P. Daugherty and Carl Leukefeld offer a dynamic alternative: the Lifestyle Risk Reduction Model, which reshapes accepted alcohol and drug premises, messages, and strategies to make them relevant throughout the entire lifespan.

It will prove to be a valuable resource to clinicians, teachers, and students in alcoholism studies, public health, health psychology, behavioral medicine, consulting and counseling psychology, and sociology.