This publication is part of the efforts of the Army's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program, which stems from the Army's policy that alcohol and drug abuse are incompatible with military service. The characteristics, effects, and dangers of the following drug types are discussed: nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, depressants, stimulants, alcohol, hallucinogens, narcotics, inhalants, designer drugs, over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, and steroids. Separate sections of this booklet discuss children and drugs, the unborn child and drugs, senior drug use, drugs in the workplace, drugs and violence, drugs and AIDS, and intervention. The section on intervention focuses on how parents can help their children deal with the pressure from their peers to use drugs. Other sections of this booklet consider the victims of drug and alcohol abuse, youth gangs, the causes of drug abuse, and factors that obstruct the abuser's decision to seek treatment. Sources for help are listed.