Citation

Witte C, Dundes L. Crime Prev. Community Safety 2001; 3(4): 63-70.

Affiliation

Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health; Department of Sociology, Western Maryland College, USA

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group -- Palgrave-Macmillan)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Reality, an innovative prevention program that goes beyond teaching facts, makes first-time juvenile drug and alcohol offenders contemplate possible negative outcomes of their behaviour which have repercussions for their entire social circle. The program combats juveniles' rationalizations for adverse consequences resulting from drug and alcohol abuse and addresses their tendency towards short-term personal gratification. Data from 229 participants in Reality reveal that these offenders have few explicit long-term plans that might otherwise help them to focus on their future, and to deter behaviors that could jeopardize their aspirations. Although it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of such programs as Reality, its unique approach, supported by its theoretical foundation (techniques of neutralization and self-control theory) make the curriculum worthy of consideration for youthful drug and alcohol first-time offenders.