This manual is designed to help school district personnel assess the extent of substance abuse and to develop policies and procedures for dealing with the problem through the cooperation of schools, parents and communities. The effect of social change on adolescents is discussed and trends in developmental distress are noted. Roles and responsibilities of school personnel are outlined including curriculum considerations and objectives. A section on needs assessment is provided along with sample evaluation forms and questionnaires. The guide includes background information on smoking, drinking, and drug use, and developmental characteristics of adolescents. A wide variety of preventive programs are discussed in detail with names and addresses of resource groups and organizations. A bibliography of resource materials is also included. (JAC)