The study contrasted 9th grade students who received the DARE program in the 6th grade with others who did not receive the program. Of 38 elementary schools eligible for DARE programs, 21 received the program and 17 did not. A follow-up survey assessed central DARE concepts such as self-esteem, resistance to peer pressure, delay of experimentation with drugs and drug use. Immediately after its completion, DARE had increased self-esteem and institutional bonding, and decreased endorsement of risky behaviors. Employing latent variables to represent the concepts, the follow-up study found no significant long-term differences between DARE participants and controls. Because the wearing off of effects is typical for any program, perhaps DARE should be extended beyond the single semester in which it is offered or incorporated into a more comprehensive program of health education for students that increases the breadth, length, depth and consistency of exposure. Figures, table, note, references