The chapter considers programmatic strategies and conceptual models of successful adaptation as they apply to African American youth. A brief overview of the extent of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among African American adolescents is followed by discussions of risk and protective factors. The chapter also includes models of the resilience process (multicultural, academic and developmental) and African-centered models for African American youth. All the models highlight the importance of meaning-making by way of appraisal, self-processes or decision-based attitudes, norms, and values. Afrocentric models include family history, African American history and culture, time management, and sex education among other content areas. In this chapter, resilience refers to abstinence, experimentation or occasional use over time. Maladaptive outcomes consist of frequent use or abuse, or use that leads to other behavioral, psychosocial or physical dysfunction. References