Investigating the possibility of designing effective intervention programs for at-risk students, this study used simultaneous methods in a classroom setting for working with drug use problems, poor attendance, and emotional distress. The study was a two-group, repeated measures, clinical trial which was presented to high risk students as a "personal growth class." The test results indicated improved drug use control and declining consequences of drug use, but no shifts in frequency of drug use. Truancy declined while grade point average (GPA) and credits went up. In addition, there was a decline in reported feelings of depression, hopelessness, and stress. It was found that the program was effective over the short term, but the participants needed additional bolstering after the end of the program. Another limitation was the need for more work on decreasing the frequency of drug use. Yet, the program demonstrated it is possible to have effective school-based prevention programs and that they are more cost effective than traditional drug treatment programs. (KM)