This manual discusses a method for developing a comprehensive drug abuse prevention and intervention program for students in special education. The first section contains introductory material regarding high risk students in general and implications for special education. The second section outlines material on specific types of high-risk students, including use of alcohol and other drugs, smoking, depression and suicide, and gang involvement. The third section looks at children who grow up in dysfunctional families and the impact of this on a child's ability to function in school. In the fourth section, the concepts of "enabling" (allowing youth to continue high-risk behavior) and "empowering" (deterring high risk behavior) are discussed. The fifth section includes the "nuts and bolts" of a comprehensive program to address the needs of high-risk youth and to prevent other youth from getting involved in high risk behavior. The concept of a "core team" to implement this program is covered. Section six covers effective communication skills and research on helping children survive trauma in their lives. Ways that school can help build in protective factors which facilitate this survival (most specifically self-esteem) are discussed. Finally, information about 12-step programs of recovery (such as Alcoholics Anonymous) is presented. (References accompany each chapter.) (JDD)