This article compares the effectiveness of two alcohol prevention programs geared towards families of adolescents.  For the Iowa Strengthening Families Program, the authors estimated a cost-effectiveness figure of $12,459 per case prevented, a benefit-cost ratio of $9.60 per $1 invested, and a net benefit of $5,923 per family. For the Preparing for the Drug Free Years program, estimates were a cost effectiveness of $20,439 per case prevented, a benefit-cost ratio of $5.85 per $1 invested, and a net benefit of $2,697 per family.  The authors conclude that family-based interventions have a potential to delay the onset of alcohol use and and reduce costs.

Spoth, R. L., Guyll, M. & Day, S. X. (2002). Universal family-focused interventions in alcohol-use disorder prevention: cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses of two interventions.  Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 63(2): 219-228.  http://www.jsad.com/jsad/article/Universal_FamilyFocused_Interventions_in_AlcoholUse_Disorder_Prevention_/1308.html 

Authors: Richard L. Spoth, Max Guyll, Susan X. Day