Early identification of children at high risk of serious involvement with alcohol and other drugs may help prevent later problems. This guide contains practical ideas drawn from the literature and experience. A chapter concerned with alcohol and other drug risk factors discusses the high-risk child as well as family, peer, achievement, social, developmental, school, and community risk factors. A discussion of protective factors which help youth avoid alcohol and other drugs focuses on family, peers, school and community. Other chapters examine the progression of problems; behavioral signs of alcohol and other drug use; detailed look at alcohol and inhalants; and identification and intervention. The guide includes a physician and parental task list for prevention; suggested protocol and referral form for a physician referral; and recommended readings.