Factors behind increased juvenile drug use include: (1) an increase in the number of adolescents, a prime market segment for illegal drugs, in the general population; (2) more sophisticated marketing across the country in all areas of commerce, including drug dealing; (3) the Baby Boomer Culture, with its more tolerant attitudes concerning drug use; (4) the changing family, with more two-bread-winner households and therefore absentee parents, and more single-parent families and families without supportive extended family structure; and (5) media coverage and apparent acceptance of celebrities' drug-related and other socially questionable behavior. It is impossible to mount an effective strategy to reduce illegal drug use without understanding that a young person's family situation plays a critical role in determining behavior. The article discusses the importance of prevention efforts, including prosecuting with the aid of high-tech equipment, search and seizure, and drug treatment for juveniles and drug courts for adults. Notes