The analysis reveals the conceptual and methodological progress in this area has been limited. Therefore, tremendous opportunities exist to advance knowledge on a wide variety of topics. To develop effective strategies, prevention research must begin to recognize the complexity of ethnicity as well as the interaction of individual and environmental factors in determining drug use. These areas of complexity may require that prevention researchers become more involved in policy debates and community outreach and organization. These issues are particularly important given the current mandate to include women and minorities in federally funded research. Research that conforms to the words of the Federal guidelines by relying on ethnic glosses or gender-based stereotypes will not add to knowledge; the impacts of sociocultural and demographic characteristics must be considered as well. 58 references