This Digest discusses the role of the school, the community, and teacher preparation programs in alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) prevention among adolescents. It proposes that a comprehensive drug abuse prevention curriculum should incorporate: (1) normative education to help students realize that use of ATOD is not the norm for teenagers; (2) social skills improvement; (3) recognition of external pressures e.g., advertising, role models, peer attitudes; the risks and the short and long term consequences of ATOD use; (5) the development of positive aspects of life such as helping, caring, and goal setting; and (6) ways to refuse ATOD effectively and still maintain friendships. Curriculum delivery also has a critical influence on curriculum effectiveness. Some recommended methods are: interactive techniques rather than lectures or other forms of one-way communication; videos and multimedia software set in real world environments; adult role models; and integration of prevention messages into general curricula. Coordination of prevention messages and activities with other institutions in a youth's life is essential. Schools need to be actively involved in coordinating community-wide activities. Preservice teacher education curriculum content should include on adolescent ATOD use. (Contains 11 references) (LL)