This research update begins with a review of research on adolescent drug use and its prevention. The research reviewed illustrates the complexity of the problem and of the many variables that may affect outcome. The review suggests that a social influences approach to drug prevention that focuses on preventing the initiation of use by reducing the influence of peer pressure will have limited effectiveness by itself, especially with alcohol. It suggests that more attention must be given to problem users and to reducing underlying behavioral problems, and that prevention efforts must begin earlier than junior high school. It notes that prevention efforts effective for one drug may not be effective for another and that prevention of alcohol drinking among adolescents poses a whole set of different problems from tobacco or illicit drug use. Finally, the research reviewed suggests that school-based programs rooted in psychosocial principles can be successful, and that credible information dissemination can have a positive impact. Broader action on the community level is urged. Following the review are abstracts of 12 studies, all published in 1988, which deal with the evaluation of curricula and school-based drug prevention programs, correlates and consequences of adolescent drug use, or surveys of attitudes and perceptions concerning drug use. Abstracts are arranged alphabetically by the first author's last name. Studies abstracted appear in boldface type in the review section of the report. References to other documents cited in the review follow the abstracts. (NB)