If we assume that rational choice theory is correct, which is not something I usually do but will for the purposes of this comment, then it may not be that one of the major reasons leading to the failure of original DARE program is not that it presented information in the wrong way but rather that is presented intentionally wrong information. A few years after I went through the program I decided to verify the information on my own. I spent a good bit of time in the library (that is how we did it back then!) and came away from the experience knowing that while a lot of information concerning the harder substances was basically correct what was taught about the “gateway” drugs was hyperbole. I could well see any number of kids trying marijuana (or knowing people that tired marijuana). . . realizing that what DARE told them about it was bunk and concluding that the program was lying about the rest as well. In essence the program could have led children to the belief that drug use was in fact a rational choice because the marginal costs (at least with marijuana) were far lower than they had been taught to believe while the marginal benefits of drug use (I use the term only in the economic sense) could not have been anticipated and thus were likely far greater than had been imagined by the student that had gone through the program.
Just my two cents and probably over valued at that. Anyway, a very interesting read . . . than you for sharing!
