The effectiveness of the prevention of psychoactive substance abuse among adolescents with a mild cognitive impairment. The experiences from “My life, my choice” project

Abstract

The subject of prevention of the use of psychoactive substances by young people with intellectual disabilities is definitely underrepresented, if at all present, both in Polish and world literature. Meanwhile, research shows a high demand for preventive measures in this group. The current article presents the assumptions of the pioneering preventive program “My life, my choice”, addressed to young people with intellectual disabilities and discussion of the results of its evaluation. The analysis focuses in particular on the effectiveness of the actions taken and the perception of individual elements of the program by the recipients. The collected data indicate a significan effectiveness of the program in four of the five areas, as well as the importance of selective preventive interactions.