Getting Alternative Information Now (GAIN) is a family-based program designed to prevent/reduce drug and alcohol use/abuse among teenagers and families. The program includes: (1) referrals by school systems to the Family Services Agency of Central Arkansas; (2) clinical needs assessments to determine which program (Early Intervention Program, Intermediate Intervention Program, or referral to another program) is most appropriate; and (3) a series of five to six 2-hour classes focusing on drug and alcohol use, refusal efficacy skills, family communications and rules, high risk behaviors, and positive, alternative activities. There were a total of 168 urban families with children in grades 6 through 12. This evaluation compared the two program groups with equivalent control groups. Three different types of school suspension policies (strict, moderate, lenient) were compared to determine if they had an effect on drug and alcohol related behavior by school policy. The GAIN program was most effective in reducing school-reported disciplinary problems. Areas in which there was no program-related change included non-drug related school problems and grade point averages. The program was equally effective in producing positive change regardless of school policy. Schools might consider implementing a drug-related policy associated with a drug-education program if they do not already have one. No recommendation advocating one school policy over another can be made. (ABL)