Although cannabis consumption in Egypt has a centuries-long tradition, recent evidence on drug abuse shows new patterns and trends. Young people from all socioeconomic strata are increasingly using both traditional drugs, such as hashish, and the new pharmaceutical psychotropic substances. A recent survey of university students in Egypt, conducted by the author and others, showed that 34 percent of the students who had succeeded in their studies and 42 percent of those who had failed used drugs. Although epidemiological data on drug abuse among youth in other Arab countries are scarce, scattered clinical reports on the treatment of alcoholics and drug addicts are available. These suggest significant drug use by youth in Arab countries. Community-based programs should be organized to improve the personal and social functioning of drug-dependent persons, to promote drug education, and to increase understanding between younger and older generations. Epidemiological studies of the nature and extent of drug abuse as well as evaluative studies of ongoing prevention and treatment programs must be organized and conducted with a view to improving the effectiveness of drug abuse intervention among the young in the Arab countries. 1 table, 14 references. (Author abstract modified)