Hearing participants recognized the rising incidence of alcoholism and drug abuse among children and teenagers and the need for effective education and prevention programs. Programs of several Federal agencies, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), to deal with alcohol and drug abuse prevention and the importance of drug abuse education were noted. Benefits of collaboration between NIDA and State agencies were also addressed. Hearing participants represented many Federal and State agencies, such as the U.S. Office of Education, the National Association of State Drug Abuse Program Coordinators, the Massachusetts Minority Council on Alcoholism, and the National Parent Teachers Association. Representatives from both government and private organizations expressed their concerns regarding drug addiction, the role of mental health expertise and services in treating alcohol and drug abuse, and family responses to the drug problem and discussed specific alcohol and drug education and prevention programs for youth. Some hearing participants reported on the link between and the importance of preventing drug abuse and crime. Tables and figures