Considerable untapped potential exists to reduce the burden of illness, harms, and other untoward consequences associated with alcohol and drugs through the more effective use of the skills of health and other human services workers. To achieve this, improved systematic education and training of key personnel is required. This literature review identifies various issues that pertain to the best practice in alcohol and drug education and training. This paper addresses issues that relate to who should be taught, what should be taught, and how it should be taught, as well as when it can be determined that the training has been effective. The literature notes that the relationship between the educational process and the use of acquired knowledge and skills in the work place is a complex, nonlinear phenomenon. An interactive set of variables operates to determine activities undertaken in any work environment. The nature and level of education received by the professional is one of several key variables. Nonetheless, it is a key factor that can be influenced and which warrants closer attention. 2 tables and 83 references