Research indicates that children possess four important personality characteristics and abilities which define them as resilient. These characteristics and abilities are social competence, problem solving skills, autonomy, and a sense of purpose and future. In addition, several qualities of the environment of resilient youth tend to predict positive life outcomes for such youth. These qualities include a caring and supportive relationship with another person, high family and community expectations for the youth's behavior, and opportunities to participate in meaningful activities. Drawing on a consideration of these environmental factors, this paper explores the potential link between efforts at drug abuse prevention and the creative arts which might contribute to the development of new prevention strategies to build and enhance resiliency among youth at high risk for substance abuse. For many years the creative arts have been utilized as a therapeutic and rehabilitative medium with very diverse population groups. Creative arts strategies and activities, particularly in the area of the performance arts, have been employed with a variety of groups, but especially with groups with special needs. It is proposed that artists and individuals working in substance abuse prevention work in collaboration to build resiliency among vulnerable youth in order to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse. (Contains 12 references.) (PAM)