Enhancing adoption of an alcohol abuse prevention program: An application of diffusion theory.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to apply diffusion theory (Rogers, 1983) to an alcohol abuse prevention program in order to enhance program adoption. Three of the four stages of diffusion theory (dissemination, adoption, and implementation) are discussed relative to the development and implementation of a program designed to increase awareness of the destructive effects upon children who live with an addicted parent of living with that parent. The program also focused upon resiliency building strategies to use with children in order to mitigate the harmful effects of addiction in the home. Empirical data are presented concerning the dissemination, adoption and implementation phases of the program.