One-year follow-up evaluation of the Project Towards No Drug Abuse (TND) dissemination trial

The aims of this trial, conducted 2004–2008, were to examine (1) the effectiveness of Project Towards No Drug Abuse (TND) at the one-year follow-up when implemented on a large scale; and (2) the relative effectiveness of two training approaches for program implementers. A total of 65 high schools from 14 school districts across the United States were randomized to one of three conditions: regular workshop training, comprehensive implementation support, or standard care control. Physical education and health teachers delivered the program to students (n = 2538). Program effectiveness was assessed with dichotomous measures of 30-day substance use at baseline and one-year follow-up. When the program conditions were considered in aggregate and compared to controls, the program showed a marginally significant effect in lowering marijuana use from baseline to the one-year follow-up. Significant program effects on hard drug use were achieved for baseline non-users only. There were no differences in the effects of the two program conditions. Positive outcomes may be achieved by trained teachers when they implement Project TND in real-world high school environments; however, program effects are likely to be weaker than those achieved in efficacy trials. Training workshops may be adequate to build capacity for successful program implementation.