Resources – Prevention Services

Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program that is taught in Tooele County School District’s secondary schools. The LST program has been extensively tested and proven effective at reducing tobacco, alcohol, opioid, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. It is based on more than 40 years of peer reviewed scientific research, and now holds the distinction of being the top research-based substance abuse prevention program in the country. LST produced a $50 benefit for every $1 invested in terms of reduced corrections costs, welfare and social services burden, drug and mental health treatment; and increased employment and tax revenue. LST had the highest return on investment of all substance abuse prevention curricula studied.

Rather than merely teaching information about the dangers of drug abuse, Botvin LifeSkills Training promotes healthy alternatives to risky behavior through activities designed to:

• Teach students the necessary skills to resist social (peer) pressures to smoke, drink, and use drugs.
• Help students to develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Enable students to effectively cope with anxiety.
• Increase their knowledge of the immediate consequences of substance abuse.
• Enhance cognitive and behavioral competency to reduce and prevent a variety of health risk behaviors

Tooele Prevention offers small group sessions to select students recommended by their teacher’s and counselors.