As the Federal Government conducts its war against illegal drugs and as State legislatures strain to find room in sparse budgets for comprehensive programs, cooperative initiatives of public and private organizations have emerged as a way to leverage government funds with support from businesses and communities. Certain initiatives, some of them the result of partnerships between public and private sectors, have already increased public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction. Beyond this awareness, however, prevention programs need to recognize that some individuals--because of difficult backgrounds that include abuse, neglect, dysfunctional families, and economic pressures--are particularly at risk for engaging in destructive behaviors such as drug abuse, teenage sex, criminal activity, and dropping out of school. Experts generally agree that the most effective prevention programs are based on a comprehensive approach to the various problems that often precede drug abuse. Because public policy discussions about drug abuse prevention can be difficult to focus due to the controversial and emotional nature of the issues raised, prevention needs to be supported by communities, governments, and private businesses. Model prevention programs are described, and a decisionmaking checklist for State legislators is included. Appendixes contain a resource list and brief descriptions of selected State laws. 60 notes and 2 figures