Creative problem-solving and substance abuse prevention following an AI-enhanced life skills intervention in At-risk adolescents: A quasi-experimental study

Adolescent substance use remains a critical public health concern, necessitating interventions that strengthen core life skills. Emerging evidence suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance learning processes; however, its application in substance use prevention remains underexplored. This study evaluated an AI-supported innovative learning program aimed at improving creative problem-solving and self-protective behaviors among at-risk adolescents. Forty male junior high school students (≥75th percentile on a substance abuse risk scale) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (six 60-minute AI-enhanced life skills sessions) or a control group (traditional instruction). Data were collected using validated instruments and analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The results indicated that the intervention was associated with meaningful improvements in both creative problem-solving and self-protective behavior. Implications for practice include the integration of AI-driven pedagogies in school-based prevention programs, with attention to technological readiness and teacher digital competence to ensure effective implementation.