Developed by Dr. Gilbert J. Botvin, a leading prevention expert, Botvin LifeSkills Training is supported by more than 30 scientific studies and is recognized as a Model or Exemplary program by the U.S. Department of Education and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.

Rather than only teaching about the potential harms of substance use, Botvin LifeSkills encourages healthy choices and builds resilience through activities designed to:

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• Teach students skills to resist peer or social pressure related to substance use.

• Help students build self-esteem and confidence.

• Enable students to cope effectively with stress and anxiety.

• Increase understanding of how substance use can affect one’s life in the short and long term.

• Enhance cognitive and behavioral competencies to mitigate harm from behaviors that threaten health.

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Program Components

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The program has three major components shown to help reduce initiation of, and harms associated with, substance use and related behaviors:

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1. Substance Resistance Skills
   Students learn to recognize and counter misconceptions about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Through role-play and skill-building, they practice strategies to resist peer pressure and media messages.

2. Personal Self-Management Skills
   Students explore their self-image, set and track personal goals, manage everyday decisions under external influence, make informed choices, reduce stress, and view challenges with resilience.

3. General Social Skills
   Students develop social confidence: communicating clearly, asserting themselves verbally and nonverbally, handling social requests, recognizing alternatives other than aggression or passivity, and resolving misunderstandings.

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For more information visit: Botvin Life Skills