Learning by Doing: ‘Initiated Abstinence’, a School-Based Programme for the Prevention of Addiction

Abstract

The objective of the study was to find out whether the school-based prevention programme ‘Initiated abstinence’ is suitable to induce pupils to change their consumer behavior and attitudes. The participants of the prevention programme commit themselves ‘per contract’ to abstain from or considerably reduce their consumption of at least one of their currently used substances (e.g. sweets, cigarettes) or media (TV, computer games) for a period of 2 weeks. The main goal of the programme is to sharpen their problem and health consciousness concerning addiction and pleasure seeking. The programme was evaluated by a longitudinal study. At three given times, the 12- to 15-year-old pupils of the experimental classes were interviewed by standardized self-completion questionnaires (n = 2,267). The control classes were submitted to two surveys (n = 586). The study was carried out in the areas of Innsbruck (Austria), Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) and South Tyrol (Italy). Not all pupils were able to keep their intentions submitted in their contract, but 4 of 5 pupils had at least one positive experience with the renunciation (82%). There were ‘overall effects’: The actual renunciation of the pupils was much higher than stated in their agreement. The experimental group showed significant reduction effects for pupils, who had successfully reduced or stopped use of a substance or medium. In a further step, it should be explored whether the programme is suitable also for older groups, i.e. for pupils older than 15 years. Moreover, the long-term effects of the programmes should be tested.

Internet Addiction or Excessive Internet Use

“…There is preliminary evidence for success of an "initiated abstinence" program in 12-15 year old pupils in Austria, Germany, and Italy (64), and for a counseling program in Hong Kong (65).…”

The screens culture: impact on ADHD

“…There are reports of treatment trials reporting success using many different treatment modalities. Most focus on CBT and CBT groups (Pujol Cda et al 2009; Young 2007), whereas others have looked at a multilevel counseling program (Orzack and Orzack 1999; Shek et al 2009), pharmacotherapy (Dell’Osso et al 2008; Han et al 2009), empowerment education (Joo and Park 2010), abstinence (Kalke and Raschke 2004), and family therapy with ongoing counseling and follow-up along the model of alcoholics anonymous (Orzack and Orzack 1999). While these reports suggest that Internet addiction may be treatable, we have no research to suggest which treatment is most effective, and no randomized controlled trials to demonstrate that any of these treatments have been effective.…”

Influence of Socio-Economic Status, Parents and Peers on Smoking Behaviour of Adolescents

“…Refl ection on peers' smoking infl uence and peers' smoking behaviour (selection of peer friends) as a factor correcting adolescents' normative-forming expectations should be emphasised in preventative teaching and training work for competence enhancement. These kinds of school-based prevention programmes expect the evaluation of effi ciency on behavioural and attitude levels, the adolescents' acceptance of and interest in them [42] .…”