Preventing drug abuse among the Nation's youth is one of the main goals of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). As such, this publication offers a updated prevention principles, an overview of program planning, and first steps for prevention. After an introduction, the booklet presents 16 prevention principles, broken down into the categories of risk and protective factors, prevention planning in school and family settings, and prevention program delivery. Next, chapter 1 focuses on risk and protective factors and offers information regarding the early signs of risk for drug abuse problems, the highest risk periods for youth, and how drug abuse begins and progresses. The five main risk factors for drug abuse are described as early aggressive behavior, lack of parental supervision, peers who abuse substances, drug availability, and poverty. Protective factors include self-control, parental monitoring, academic competence, anti-drug use policies, and strong neighborhood attachment. Chapter 2 moves on to a discussion of how to plan for drug abuse prevention in the community. This chapter focuses on ways the community can assess the level of risk for drug abuse and how communities can develop, implement, and assess the effectiveness of drug abuse prevention efforts. Chapter 3 offers tips for applying prevention principles to drug abuse prevention programs. Under examination is how risk and protective factors can be addressed in prevention programs, the essential elements of research-based prevention programs, and how to effectively implement and sustain effective prevention programs. Chapter 4 presents examples of research-based drug prevention programs, including universal programs, selective programs, indicated programs, and tiered programs. The section on Universal Programs and Selective Programs presents examples of effective programming at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The Indicated Programs are only offered in high school, whereas the Tiered Programs cover elementary and middle school. Some examples include the programs entitled, "Guiding Good Choices," "Project STAR," and "Caring School Community Program." Finally, chapter 5 offers selected references and resources for further study about drug abuse prevention and program planning. Tables, references