Final answer:
Evaluations of the D.A.R.E. program's effectiveness in reducing drug abuse among juveniles have shown mixed results, indicating that initial claims of its long-term success may not be fully supported.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that D.A.R.E. programs have been very successful in reducing drug abuse among juveniles in long-term evaluations can be contended. While the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program was well-intentioned and initially received widespread support for its attempt to reduce drug use among youth through education, subsequent evaluations of its effectiveness have shown mixed results. A careful evaluation with control groups is required to assess the program's true impact, as simply comparing drug use data over years may not reflect the actual influence of the program. It's important to recognize that some programs, previously thought to be effective like D.A.R.E., may not have the intended impact in practice, and rigorous, systematic evaluations are crucial in understanding their effectiveness.