A newly released study indicates an in-school anti-marijuana and alcohol campaigns cut usage by at least half.
The study, funded by the federal National Institute on Drug Abuse, looked at the campaigns effectiveness in 32 schools nationwide.
The theme, "Be Under Your Own Influence," was a 2-year campaign used to support kids' desire to be independent without preaching to them.
Posters and other printed materials, book covers, tray liners, clothing, water bottles and other trinkets pushed the message.
More than 10 percent of students targeted by the campaign reported having tried alcohol and/or marijuana. Students at the control group school had more than 20 percent rates.
Lead investigator Michael Slater, a professor of communications at Ohio State University, called the campaign a "startlingly strong effect."
He also chaired an advisory panel for two nationwide campaigns conducted by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
The study will be published in the journal Health Education Research.
© Copyright 2006 by United Press International
