The study concludes that selective exposure seems unrelated to drug use and to certainty about various aspects of the harmful effects of drugs. These data suggest that drug education efforts are probably not losing their effectiveness because users refuse to initially expose themselves to information about harmful effects. (Author)

Reports two studies of effects of high and low fear messages about drugs. In the first study three levels of threat appeal about marijuana were used. The second study concerned attitudes toward a non-existent drug-MOT. The effects of fear level for MOT were very large and indicate that high fear appeals are superior. (Author)

Several studies on how high school students receive information about drugs are reviewed. The intent is to: 1) determine which are the most important channels of communication for influencing students, 2) see the interaction occurring between the channel and certain receiver characteristics, and 3) determine the most credible sources of…

A study was conducted with students in grade 9 in two Ontario schools, with one group receiving six periods of drug education and the control school none at all. The peer-oriented program led to more knowledge about drugs, but no differences in the use of drugs or in attitudes. (Author)

Used data from Ontario Alcohol and Drug Use Among Students survey (N=4,267) to determine how reported alcohol and cannabis (marijuana) use changed with increased exposure to drug education. Concluded drug education had stronger influence on younger students and lighter drinkers but little impact on heavy drinkers. Found decrease in cannabis use…

A survey of attitudes towards drugs, knowledge about them and the use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit and psychoactive drugs was conducted among 4,693 high school students. Knowledge level and permissive attitudes tended to increase with grade level. Knowledge scores also increased, but attitudes became less permissive with increasing academic…

Examined data from repeated cross-sectional probability surveys of alcohol/drug use conducted biennially since 1979 in Ontario schools to determine relationships between classroom alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis education and student use of these substances. Found strong inverse association between increases in exposure to alcohol and drug…