This monograph is intended to provide a foundation for communication programs for the prevention of alcohol and other drug problems among high-risk American children. The book offers guidelines for program planners at the national, state, and local levels. Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive look at the priority target audience, youth from high-risk environments and their families, and serves as a background for the chapters that follow. Chapter 2 addresses one group of high-risk youth, Black children. Chapter 3 discusses another important subgroup, Hispanic/Latino youth. Chapter 4 discusses a secondary audience, parents, who are important influences on youth at risk. Chapter 5 addresses another important secondary audience, primary care physicians. A final chapter discusses one strategy of special importance to communications programs: working with intermediary groups to reach a target audience. Each chapter includes the following: (1) "Understanding the Audience"; (2) "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices"; (3) "Planning Considerations"; and (4) "Recommendations." The following materials are appended: (1) a guide to the planning process; (2) guidelines for the review of prevention messages and materials, including evaluation forms; (3) a guide to terminology; (4) a guide to the Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource (RADAR) Network; and (5) names and addresses of potential intermediary organizations. (Author/AF)