"This is actually quite novel, this idea," Dr. Tarter said. "It runs counter to about six decades of current drug policy in the country, where we believe that if we can't stop kids from using marijuana, then they're going to go on and become addicts to hard drugs."
But the data doesn't support that contention, he noted. The findings were published in this month's American Journal of Psychiatry.
The best part was at the end.
According to Dr. Tarter, drug use prevention messages should minimize "slippery slope" scare tactics and emphasize healthy living. Interventions to foster values and attitudes that resist illegal behaviors and to strengthen parenting skills could be helpful.
It's possible to identify children who are at high risk for drug use years before they begin experimenting, Dr. Tarter said.
"Nothing is carved in stone, especially at this age," he said. "But the longer you wait, the harder it is to change."
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