This document examines societal influences that promote the continued use of drugs, considering how "mixed messages" are sent to U.S. youth regarding the acceptable use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD). It analyzes public and private sector policies, practices, and regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing and eliminating alcohol and other drug problems. An introduction by Robert L. DuPont desribes the history of environmental approaches to the prevention of alcohol and other drug use. "Illicit Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol Use Among Youth: Trends and Promising Approaches in Prevention" (Lawrence Wallack and Kitty Corbett) reviews the recent history of AOD abuse prevention efforts and concludes that a broad-based, comprehensive approach is needed. "On Drugs and Mass Media in America's Consumer Society" (Todd Gitlin) argues that drug use is a predictable consequence of U.S. culture's emphasis on consumerism and immediate gratification. "Stories That Hurt: Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs in the Mass Media" (George Gerbner) summarizes research on the interrelation of drugs and the mass media and offers insights into the conflicts underlying mass media messages about drugs. "Drug Availability in a Public Health Perspective" (James F. Mosher) focuses on the availability of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, contending that new regulatory and legal policies should be considered that address all levels of drug availability. The document concludes with an epilogue, "Creating Drug-Free Environments: Beyond and Back to the Individual" by Raymond P. Lorion. (NB)