Study goals were to examine illicit patterns of drug abuse and use in different regions of the country; to identify reasons for such abuse and use including knowledge of possible adverse health consequences; and to study the impact of health education materials on patterns of tobacco and alcohol use. A cluster of 1,000 urban slum dwellers and a separate cluster of 1,000 industrial workers were selected as study subjects. Members of both clusters shared several common features. They had a common rural background and had recently moved to urban areas; they retained a strong affinity to their rural places of origin; and they imitated the lifestyles of urban residents by purchasing consumer goods including tobacco and alcohol that symbolized urban lifestyles. Value and belief systems influenced whether group members adopted or rejected new programs and services. After the provision of health educational materials in the form of a synchronized slide-tape production with commentary and background music, respondents wanted to know what they could do to avoid or minimize adverse health consequences of drug use and how to stop tobacco and alcohol abuse. Some participants decided immediately to stop smoking and consuming alcohol by breaking cigarette packages in front of the group or pledging to stop drinking. Program impact was greatest among social alcohol and tobacco users. The program led to a small, sustained community movement toward more awareness of alcohol and tobacco use and their adverse consequences. Problems encountered in the course of the program are outlined to help other researchers evaluate drug abuse and use prevention strategies. 1 reference