The Canadian Underage Substance Use Prevention Trial
The Canadian Underage Substance Use Prevention (CUSP) Trial is looking at a school-based program called PreVenture. Its main goal is to find out if this program can help delay teenagers from starting to use drugs and alcohol, including misusing prescription drugs, over a three-year period. Many teenagers in Canada and the US still use substances, so finding good prevention methods is important. The PreVenture program offers short lessons designed to help young people understand and manage personality traits that might make them more likely to try substances. The study compares PreVenture against regular school prevention lessons to see how effective it is. It also looks at how easy it is for schools to keep using the program long-term, even after initial training.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research project, called the Canadian Underage Substance Use Prevention (CUSP) Trial, focuses on a special program for teenagers in schools called PreVenture. The main idea behind PreVenture is to help young people avoid starting to use drugs and alcohol, including misusing prescription medications, before they become adults. Many studies in the past have shown that reducing substance use in young people is a big challenge in countries like Canada and the United States.
PreVenture aims to tackle this by offering short, focused lessons that help teenagers understand how certain personality traits might make them more likely to try substances. By learning new skills, young people can reduce these risks. The study wants to see if this program, taught by school staff who have been trained, is more effective than the usual drug and alcohol education provided in schools. They will follow students for three years to see the long-term effects.
The researchers are also interested in how well the PreVenture program can be put into practice in schools and kept going over time. They are testing whether extra support, like ongoing coaching and online resources for teachers, helps schools to continue using the program successfully in the long run. This is important because a good program needs to be easy for schools to use and maintain so it can help as many students as possible.
Key takeaways
- The study tests a school program, PreVenture, to help teenagers avoid drug and alcohol use.
- PreVenture teaches skills based on personality traits to reduce risk.
- It aims to delay beginning of substance use in adolescents.
- The study compares PreVenture with regular school prevention programmes.
- It also checks how well schools can continue to use the program long-term.
- Participation involves surveys and possibly workshops, with follow-ups for three years.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in the initial survey for this study, you must be a Year 10 student (usually aged 15-16). You and your parents will need to agree for you to participate.
After the survey, some students will be invited to participate in the PreVenture workshops. This invitation is for students who score higher than average on a special personality questionnaire. This questionnaire helps identify those who might be more at risk of developing substance use problems, based on traits like being impulsive or very sensitive to anxiety. About 45% of students who take the initial survey might be invited to join the PreVenture part of the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a Year 10 student (around 15-16 years old)?
- Are you and your parents willing to agree to participate?
- Did you complete the initial survey?
- Did your survey results suggest you might be at a higher risk based on certain personality traits?
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you'll first complete a survey as a Year 10 student. If you're then invited to the PreVenture workshops because of your survey results, you'll take part in special lessons designed to help you. These workshops are usually led by trained school staff. The study will then follow you for about three years to see how the program affects your choices and well-being. This will likely involve filling out more questionnaires at different times over those three years (around 12 and 24 months after the program starts) to check for sustained effects.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- University of British Columbia Okanagan CampusVerified postcodeKelowna, Canada
- Dalhousie UniversityVerified postcodeHalifax, Canada
- Center for Mental Health and AddicitionsVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research CenterVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to see if a school program called PreVenture can help teenagers avoid or delay using drugs and alcohol, including misused prescription medicines, over three years.
What is the PreVenture program?
PreVenture is a program that offers short lessons aimed at teaching teenagers skills to manage personality traits that might make them more likely to try substances.
Who can take part in this study?
Initially, all Year 10 students (around 15-16 years old) whose parents agree can take a survey. Some students who show certain personality traits will then be invited to join the PreVenture program.
How long will the study last for me?
If you participate, you'll be followed for about three years after the program starts, with check-ins at roughly 12 and 24 months.
Will my privacy be protected?
The study will collect information carefully, and measures will be in place to protect your privacy and keep your answers confidential.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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