The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

ALL STARS

Nebraska Council to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Lincoln, NE

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Among the silver rings that Katie wears on her fingers is one that is becoming more popular with kids in Nebraska. The circle of nine stars on her ring represents commitments she has made to herself about issues that threaten the lives of teenagers everywhere in America.

Katie is one of many students in Nebraska who are graduates of ALL STARS, a program designed to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, violence and early sexual activity.

ALL STARS, winner of the 1998 NCADD Prevention and Education Commendation, is based on research that has identified four key characteristics that distinguish teens who engage in high-risk behaviors from those who do not. The characteristics are: the belief that high-risk behaviors are not normal or acceptable by their peers; the belief that high-risk behaviors do not fit with their personal ideals and desired future; the personal commitment to avoid high-risk behaviors; and a sense of attachment to positive friendship groups and social institutions.

"Early adolescence is a critical period for the onset of substance use and other high-risk behaviors," said Robert Schroeder, executive director of the Nebraska Council to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse, NCADD's state Affiliate. "Studies show that these four characteristics usually are strong among young adolescents but tend to erode as they mature. Especially during the ages of 10 to 15, many kids begin to adopt harmful attitudes and experiment with alcohol and other drugs. The research tells us the earlier we can build and maintain the four characteristics with each young person, the more likely they are to live healthier lifestyles."

ALL STARS sessions engage youth interactively and encourage them to open up to their peers. "Most kids have a grasp on what they believe is right or wrong and what is important to them," says Kathleen Nelson-Simley, ALL Stars Director at the Nebraska Council. "But they don't always know what their friends think and sometimes they make bad choices to fit in. In ALL STARS they discover that not everyone thinks drinking is cool and that not everyone is having sex at an early age."

As Jason, one graduate, shared, "In ALL STARS, I found out how much I'm like other people."

Another component of the program encourages child and parent interaction through specific homework assignments. ALL STARS parents also receive "When It Comes From You," a parent booklet, and an audio cassette tape. Developed by the Nebraska Council, these materials offer practical ways to use the six most effective parenting practices for preventing substance abuse among kids.

ALL STARS originally was created for middle school classrooms by William Hansen, PhD, president of Tanglewood Research in North Carolina. Nebraska Council staff worked closely with Dr. Hansen to develop a community-based version for youth ages 10-15. During the past year in Nebraska, over 40 community organizations have adopted the program, including the Girl and Boy Scouts, cultural community centers, mentoring programs and many churches. ALL STARS also reaches a diverse youth population, ranging from rural to inner city residents, and including Native Americans, Hispanics and African Americans. More than 50 Nebraska schools also have adopted ALL STARS.

Towards the end of ALL STARS kids are asked to list nine commitments around the issues of drinking, smoking, violence and sex to earn the silver ALL STARS ring. Over 90% of graduates have made voluntary commitments to not drink alcohol before the age of 21, to never use tobacco, marijuana, inhalants and other drugs, and to wait until they are married before having sex.

Whether the kids stick to their commitments over time remains to be seen. In 1998, a year-long follow-up evaluation with approximately 80 ALL STARS graduates will be completed to determine the lasting effects the program has had on their behaviors. But data from pre- and post-test surveys already indicate the program's consistent ability to improve all four key characteristics with youth and strengthen their intention to not participate in risky behaviors in the future. Control groups showed no such changes. Best of all, kids and parents love the program!

(2/98)

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

244 East 58th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 phone: 212/269-7797   fax: 212/269-7510 email: national@ncadd.org   http://www.ncadd.org HOPE LINE: 800/NCA-CALL (24-hour Affiliate referral)