This guide, one of a series of publications written for medical school faculty to use in designing substance abuse instruction, focuses on curriculum content for drug and alcohol abuse instruction. Following a brief introduction, discussions of positive attitude development toward substance abuse patients, and the psychological, cultural, and biological aspects of substance abuse are presented. Diagnostic techniques, patient referral and early intervention therapeutic treatment techniques, especially with adolescents, are also discussed. Treatment of acute and chronic phases of alcohol and drug abuse, and therapy goals and techniques are explored. Substance abuse among physicians is presented in terms of early symptoms, problems in delayed treatment, and successful treatment; and substance induced organic mental disorders are discussed. A section on community prevention of substance abuse focuses on primary (legal and educational approaches), secondary (medical and legal approaches), and tertiary prevention. The guide concludes with a list of references, appendices, and tables dealing with diagnostic instruments and drug signs and symptoms, and an annotated list of curriculum materials. (BL)