School-based drug abuse prevention programs have been a standard approach in American Indian communities over the past 3 decades. However, there is very little evidence that these programs have been effective. In addition, on theoretical grounds, schools are not in the strongest position to counter drug use among adolescents. Compared with non-Indian families, American Indian families have a more powerful influence in the lives of their children. Therefore, for anti-drug abuse programs to be effective, they must enlist the help and support of American Indian families. Any effort that does not include the family will be overlooking the major asset of American Indian communities and likely will not succeed. However, the article concludes, school-based efforts should not be eliminated. They come from one of the major socialization forces in the lives of American Indian children and these initiatives may be having some as-yet unmeasured effect. References