“Ignite & engage:” A mixed methods evaluation of a peer-led, school-based substance use prevention program

Background: Substance use often begins in adolescence, making early identification and prevention essential to avert downstream harms, including substance use disorders. This study evaluated the impact of a peer-led, school-based storytelling program on participating middle- and high school students. Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was distributed from 2014 to 2020 to Midwestern middle and high-schoolers who had attended a school-based event, “Ignite & Engage,” led by a recovery community organization (RCO). Descriptive statistics summarized quantitative and an inductive thematic analysis summarized qualitative survey results. Results: Of 10,438 surveyed students, 2,853 (27.3%) reported ever using substances The majority (55.2%) reported initiating substance use between the ages of 14 and 16 years, and 29.2% initiated it at an earlier age. The program impact was rated by 996 respondents, with 71.3% of them viewing it favorably and 76.3% noting presenters’ personal recovery stories as the most valuable elements, and 51.2% feeling less likely to use alcohol or drugs afterwards, an effect stronger in middle- than high school youth (60.3% vs. 49.5%, respectively, p < 0.001). Qualitative feedback (N = 2,884) echoed the quantitative findings, emphasizing students’ greater intent to avoid substance use, seek help, support peers, and reflect on recovery. Conclusion: This school-based storytelling program, delivered by presenters with lived experience of addiction recovery, represents a promising, novel approach to substance use prevention and harm reduction among middle- and high school students.