More attention must be directed toward problem users and underlying behavioral problems. Further, prevention efforts must begin earlier than junior high school if peer pressure is to be countered and behavioral problems associated with later drug abuse are to be addressed effectively. It also appears that prevention efforts effective for one drug may not be effective for another and that the prevention of alcohol abuse among adolescents requires interventions different from those required for tobacco and illicit drug use. Finally, the research provides some hope that school-based programs rooted in sound psychosocial principles can be effective and that credible information dissemination can also have a positive impact. Without broader action at the community level, however, school-based prevention efforts will have limited impact. Abstracts of publications dealing with drug abuse and prevention are included. 59 references