Timeline
PRI was founded Ray Daugherty and Terry O'Bryan.
Our doors officially opened.
PRI's first program, Talking With Your Kids About Alcohol (TWYKAA), was rooted in Ray’s work for the Kentucky Alcoholism Council (KAC) between 1978 and 1983. An evaluation conducted by KAC and Norman VanTubergen, Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky found significant reductions in the drinking of adults going through the program and reductions in the drinking of their teens within six months.
Using a research-based approach grounded solidly in the gentle, non-judgmental approach that communication researchers find to be persuasive in changing attitudes and behavior, the PRI program found a place in communities across the United States and beyond. Instructors quickly started requesting versions of the program for diverse audiences such as college students, military personnel, and DUI offender classes. The program soon became the Talking About Alcohol and Drugs Series.
The name of our signature program changed to Prime For Life®!
After interviewing instructors, a consulting firm highlighted two points. First, instructors said the partnership forged between them and PRI's training and support team is what makes everything work. Second, instructors emphasized the program was designed for a lifetime; it was lifesaving and life enhancing. Putting those together, “It is PRI and Me and we are working together to enhance and save lives.”
Prime Solutions® treatment program was created
Prime For Life® was added to the National Registry of Effective Programs and Practices (NREPP)* and our treatment program, Prime Solutions®, was created. Due to Prime For Life’s effectiveness, instructors asked us to develop a companion program to enhance the treatment experience. Together with leading authorities Carlo DiClemente, Ph.D., Theresa Moyers, Ph.D., and Gerald Shulman, M.A., the team developed Prime Solutions®, an evidence-derived program designed to help counselors more easily and effectively implement evidence-based practices in addiction treatment.
*Note: NREPP was discontinued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2018 and has yet to be replaced by a similar system.
Today:
PRI continues to focus on providing the highest possible quality programs, training, and service. Our expanding list of programs is grounded in research and delivered with a persuasive, respectful approach.