No issue in schools and communities today commands the concern and urgency of the U.S. public as much as the dangers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use among youth. This guide therefore provides descriptive information on the variety of surveys of student alcohol and other drug use currently available, and delineates the issues involved in selecting or developing a survey instrument. After an introductory statement of purpose, chapter 2 describes the process of selection and review of the instruments presented. Chapter 3 describes the content domain of existing surveys, including specific substances, use-related issues, and other related high-risk behaviors. It also provides charts which contrast the survey instruments reviewed in this guide regarding their coverage of this content. Chapter 4 addresses an array of issues common to all AOD survey tools, including psychometric issues such as reliability and validity and utilization issues guiding the administration of the survey and interpretation of its results. Chapter 5 summarizes the principles and issues discussed throughout the guide in a process and rating scale. Chapter 6 presents the key characteristics of the surveys reviewed in the form of single-page abstracts including each survey's cost, length, appropriate age/grade levels, and contact information. Appended are the test review form used to evaluate these survey instruments and a policy statement on confidentiality of student records from the Western Center for Drug Free Schools and Communities. Twelve references are included. (TE)