A study of substance abuse prevention and intervention services offered in the New York City public schools was undertaken. The study consisted of three parts: development of a central database on services provided by the Substance Abuse Prevention/Intervention Network in Schools (SPINS), a field study that documented the goals, problems, and successful strategies of substance abuse prevention/intervention programs; a sample of exemplary school-based and district-wide services; and a 3-year longitudinal study following students who received substance abuse intervention services. The field study examined 27 services offered in 18 community school districts and 5 high school boroughs. The services fell into six categories: classroom prevention lessons; group services; peer leadership activities; parenting workshops; family counseling services; and staff development. Substance abuse prevention programs in New York City schools were impressive for their comprehensive scope, holistic approach toward helping young people, and skilled and caring staff. Students in the peer leadership program reported benefiting from participating, and gaining maturity and skills. Group services were considered by student participants to be an important help. Parenting workshops were well-received by participants, but staff reported problems in reaching greater numbers of parents, some of whom may themselves be abusing alcohol or other drugs. (LLL)