Unplugged: a European program implemented in 267 middle schools across France since 2019 to develop the psychosocial skills of young adolescents

The Unplugged program aims to reduce the use and experimentation with psychoactive substances (PAS) such as tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis among middle school students aged 12 to 14. Designed to be delivered in the classroom by teachers, the program uses interactive methods, including role-playing, discussions, and group activities. The program focuses on developing psychosocial skills, correcting false normative beliefs, and improving knowledge about the effects of PAS, while reducing positive attitudes toward illicit drugs. Santé publique France evaluated this program, which was implemented in the Loiret department, and demonstrated its short-term effectiveness in reducing PAS use and its psychosocial determinants.

One euro invested saves six euros in healthcare costs

The cost-benefit analysis, inspired by the methodology of the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, incorporated several costs, including those of the program itself, direct costs to the healthcare system, and the costs of years of life lost due to substance use. The results show that every euro invested in the Unplugged program would save 6 euros in healthcare costs. When the value of life years saved is included, every euro invested would generate up to 150 euros in savings for society.

Cost-benefit analysis: a complementary approach to effectiveness evaluation

Santé publique France is committed to health economics and calculating return on investment to support its prevention efforts. This focus is an integral part of the Objectives and Performance Contract signed with the Ministry of Health for the 2024–2028 period. Thus, in addition to the usual evaluations of its social marketing initiatives, the Agency is developing partnerships to measure the medium- and long-term impact of various interventions in terms of health gains and economic benefits. Initial work conducted with the OECD has made it possible to measure the impact on health expenditures of the “Month Without Tobacco” social marketing campaign.