IT MAY BE that the most promising aspect of teen addiction is not treatment but rather prevention. Impressive successes in reducing use and addiction have provided useful models for prevention programs. Primarily, researchers now believe the key to preventing chemical addiction among teens and young adults is to delay use of nicotine, alcohol, and drugs. If use is delayed until adulthood, or at least age sixteen, the rates of addiction drop dramatically.

Delayed initiation and use are achieved with a number of successful strategies. First, factors that seem to protect teens from drug abuse can be encouraged. Second, effective education programs and creative media campaigns can help prepare young people to make wise choices for themselves about addictive substances. Parental and community support for positive choices and laws that make it easier for teens to avoid drugs are also highly...