Two separate studies attempted to elicit young people's ideas about drugs and drug use. The first study was used to assess primary school children's drug education needs. The assessment was carried out as part of a consultancy in which three primary schools were helped to formulate drug education policies. The second study was part of an evaluation of Tacade's Skills for Life (1994), a secondary school PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) pack. The studies' methods are grouped into five categories: individual questionnaires using structured observation, unstructured questions, stories, classroom observation, and focus groups. The article includes descriptions of how the methods were used. The article also discusses how eliciting young people's knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes, opinions, self-esteem, and behavior can contribute to drug education, policy and practice. Figures, references