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German program may be effective in teaching kids to refuse drugs, alcohol

By Staff Writer

A school-based intervention strategy called Information and Psychosocial Competence (IPSY) may help reduce the number of teens and children who use drugs or alcohol, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Early Adolescence.

The researchers said that the program teaches students how to cope with stress and anxiety in healthy ways and how to improve their self confidence. Role playing, peer interaction and relaxation are also used to help strengthen the students' commitment to drug-free lifestyles and their schools.

More than 1,700 children between the ages of 10 and 15 participated in the study, which found that IPSY was effective in reducing the number of kids who consumed alcohol or smoked cigarettes. The results also indicated that the intervention delayed the average age at which students began engaging in these behaviors.

The scientists said that females reported higher levels of self confidence after they partook in IPSY, while boys showed improvements in their communication skills. Another benefit of the program that the investigation revealed was that students indicated they felt stronger bonds with their schools.

Kids who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse may benefit from troubled teens programs that are offered by boarding schools.

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