Dr. Patricia Conrod’s renowned evidence-based youth prevention program is now available in the US. Overdose Lifeline is currently licensed in the US to train community members in the Preventure Program.
Today’s Youth Need You
23
percent
of adolescents ages 12–17 admit to illicit drug use
10
percent
of 12-year-olds admit to having tried alcohol
Implementing Preventure
in Your Community
Teachers, mental health practitioners, counselors, and anyone who undergoes proper training with a licensed Preventure implementation specialist can deliver this program in their community.
“By participating in this project, you advance research and help us to better understand teenagers.”
PabloPreventure student spokesperson
What to Expect
Unlike universal programs that offer generic coping skills and address normative attitudes around substance misuse, Preventure focuses expressly on at-risk youth and introduces motivational pathways and coping skills based on individual personality profiles. These personality profiles are determined by the results of a screening survey called the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS).
Preventure Training Package:
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2–3 Training days
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4 x Supervised Practice Hours
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Student Manuals: $12–25 each
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Training Cost: $2,500–4,500
*It is strongly suggested that a second facilitator assists with implementation. Procedure and commitments are the same as for the primary facilitator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to have a clinical degree in psychology, counseling, or a similar field to be a facilitator?
Though it is preferred that a facilitator have a background in a clinical field, it is not required. It is, however, expected that facilitators have at least a history of working with vulnerable youth. Studies have shown that teachers are equally suitable implementers of the program.
How many facilitators are needed to deliver the program?
We recommend there to be at least two fully committed facilitators within an organization or community. It is recommended that a community or organization consider the number of adolescents in their area, and base the number of facilitators on this information.
What time commitments are typical for facilitators in implementing Preventure?
A facilitator should plan to help recruit participating organizations/schools, schedule and screen adolescents, and deliver both workshops for each of the four personality groups. On average, facilitators should plan to spend at least one-half day to screen and score students, and one day for each set of workshops. Time commitments will vary across regions.
Is consent required for adolescents to participate in Preventure?
Yes, anyone implementing the program, including screening, is required to obtain consent from the parents of adolescents. Parents must be provided with adequate information regarding the program, its implementation, and any risks that may be involved. Please refer to your state and local laws for all applicable regulations.
Can Preventure be implemented with elementary age students?
Preventure is designed for adolescents ages 12-17, and thus is suited for middle-school to high-school aged students only.
Can students be placed in a personality workshop without being screened?
All students must be screened before they are placed in a workshop. However, if a student’s score does not make them eligible for the program, they may still participate in the program. This process is outlined during the facilitator training.
Do the student workshops have to be 90-minutes long?
90-minutes is the maximum time that should be spent during a workshop, however, workshops may take less time to complete. The time to finish a workshop session will vary on group size and student participation.
Can the workshops be broken up into short sessions, for example, three 30-minute sessions?
No, the program is designed to be completed in two 90-minute sessions, see above for clarification on workshop length. Modifications to the delivery of the program put the fidelity of the program at risk.
What protections exist to prevent labeling of students eligible and participating in the program?
The screening process does involve specifically identifying students best served by the program, however, anyone who wants to participate may do so. Additionally, the personality assignment of youth is not revealed or discussed with anyone outside of the program facilitators. Students also establish and agree to a confidentiality agreement with one another at the start of the first workshop. The establishment of ground rules and building trust is an essential component of the program.
Can Preventure be a program adolescents are referred to, or opted into by staff or family?
First and foremost, Preventure is completely voluntary and a student should never be required to participate if they do not wish to. The workshops are designed to be facilitator mediated peer-to-peer skill building, and thus it is essential to the program that youth participation is voluntary.
Is there any follow-up after the two workshops are finished?
No, there is no other follow-up once workshop #2 is completed for each of the personality groups. The program is designed to be brief, while remaining effective. Screening – Workshop #1 – Workshop #2 – Done.