From the mid-1960s until 1980, adolescent drug use rose sharply. Although use has declined somewhat since, adolescent cocaine use remains at peak levels, and crack presents a major threat. Treatment for compulsive drug or alcohol use is needed by 5 to 15 percent of the teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol. Drug abuse experts now believe that reducing demand for drugs through education and prevention programs is the most promising strategy for combatting drugs. However, past prevention and education efforts have generally proved unsuccessful in reducing substance use. Reaching adolescents who have dropped out of school and are at highest risk for substance abuse is extremely difficult. During the past 6 years, federal drug policy has emphasized supply control. The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 represents an important first step in developing a comprehensive, well-funded national response to the drug problem. However, a cabinet-level office is needed to lead and coordinate agencies and insure the implementation of a comprehensive, coherent national strategy. Citations number 92. (RH)