School Effects on Adolescent Substance Use: Prevention through Interactive and Social Learning Strategies

Eleni Stefanidi¹, George Tsitsas²

¹Secondary Schools of Greece, Athens, Greece.
²Counseling Centre, Harokopio University, Kallithea, Greece.

DOI: 10.4236/ce.2015.65050                

Abstract

This study aimed to examine: a) the factors in Greek schools that are related to the school course of the adolescent drug abusers; b) the effectiveness of new interactive and social learning strategies in preventing drug use. Data were drawn from a face-to-face survey carried out on population of ex-drug abusers that were attending therapeutic programs of STROFI-KETHEA and in other places such as private with psychiatrists. The sample was 22 boys and 8 girls aged 16 to 21 years. All participants had a drug use experience and high rates of school drop out. The results suggest that factors related to the Greek school environment-meaning its culture, sense of community, education strategies–have negatively affected the school course of the participants. The poor school connectedness and dropping out effect negatively on young people’s behavior and drug use problems. Prevention should be considered through a new approach of the education system.

Keywords

Adolescent Substance Use, School Drop out, Prevention, Learning Strategies

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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