A behavioral approach to substance abuse prevention in the correctional setting: A preliminary report Skills Training May 2021 View Journal Publication Full Citation Yen, S., Peyrot, M., & Prino, C. T. (1989). A behavioral approach to substance abuse prevention in the correctional setting: A preliminary report. Behavioral Interventions, 4(1), 53-64. Abstract Evaluated the effectiveness of a substance abuse (SBA) program in a correctional institution using social skills training for secondary prevention. 32 male inmates (aged 16-57 yrs) with a history of substance use participated in the pilot program. A pretest-posttest analysis revealed significant improvement in overall knowledge of program topics (drugs, alcohol, stress, anger, and treatment). Areas of greatest improvement were drugs and alcohol. Clients and group leaders reported that the program was effective in facilitating attitude and behavior change regarding SBA. Results suggest a social competence approach to SBA rehabilitation in correctional institutions holds promise for both increasing knowledge and teaching effective skills to resist future SBA. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)