Recently, attention has focused on applying etiologic research to the design and testing of theory-based drug abuse interventions. This author recommends the use of a methodology that systematically examines process, outcome, and impact techniques and procedures. The design of prevention intervention strategies depends on knowledge of etiologic risk factors for drug use onset, progression, and abuse. The research indicates that the focus of prevention activities should be on at least four clusters, including individual, family, peer group, and community. The development of a biopsychosocial vulnerability model has had several implications for the design of prevention interventions: increased individual resistance to the agent, protected individuals from the agent, isolated the agent from the host, and modified the agent to reduce risk of harm. A comprehensive drug abuse prevention program offers a combination of strategies to deal with individual needs and developmental levels while sequencing these interventions consistently with each appropriate stage of drug use behavior. Using data from the National High School Senior Survey on Drug Abuse, the author suggests an example of drug impact research. 6 figures and 57 references