School-based prevention activities delay youth use. Worksite and physician office programs can be cost effective, although they are not widespread.
Community strategies show promise to delay youth use and help addicted users quit.
Progress is being made in local, state and federal policy. Wider dissemination of effective programs and better coordination of policy efforts is required. State and national policy efforts used to address alcohol and tobacco use may be effective in reducing illegal drug use. Some individual level interventions seem to be effective. Population-based programs may reach a larger number of people.