This paper presents the policy statement on substance abuse from the National Collaboration for Youth (NCY). The policy statement section lists programs and activities supported by the NCY. A section on background includes a statement of the issue of substance abuse. Areas examined in this section include alcohol abuse and drunk driving among youth, marijuana use, and cigarette smoking. Smoking and attitudes toward smoking are examined among young children, adolescents, men, women, and pregnant women. The influence of school, family, peers, and advertising in determining smoking behavior is discussed and general categories of current smoking education programs are listed. Other background information discussed includes past legislative and funding history, reasons for NCY interest in the prevention of substance abuse, and the importance of NCY involvement in substance abuse prevention activities. The current status of prevention efforts is reviewed including the legislative and funding status and descriptions of three substance abuse prevention programs of NCY member agencies. It is noted that, although there has been no NCY action on the issue of substance abuse, some NCY agencies have supported specific legislation. (NRB)