Because the literature on juvenile drug use is considered flawed by a number of researchers, the authors take a social- historical approach in examining assumptions of researchers and program managers on the effectiveness of juvenile drug use research and programming. In drawing examples from some of the most influential research in the substance abuse field, consideration is paid to the community mental health movement as a precursor to juvenile risk factors, the link between juvenile drug use and juvenile delinquency, and community prevention programs. New directions and promising alternatives in drug prevention research are examined in relation to protective factors and the context of adolescent development and deviance. 80 references and 1 table