Literature describing multicomponent substance abuse prevention efforts does not specify what approaches to community development influence the content of programs. Nonetheless, certain influences have been identified in various theoretical research and actual programs: social learning theory, diffusion-innovation, social marketing, the communication-behavior change model, social/structural determinants, "gateway" theory of adolescent drug use, the distribution of consumption model, and behavior modification. All multicomponent substance abuse prevention programs described in the paper target individuals. Each project deploys interventions designed to disseminate knowledge and skills that will influence health-related attitudes and behavioral intentions. All the programs use the mass media, and all for which outcome data are available appear to have been implemented with varying degrees of success. Challenges faced by community action research projects are noted. 54 references and 3 figures