The main private organization in Germany dedicated to combatting drug addition--the DHS and the Federal Health Information Agency (BzGA) jointly estimate the number of persons addicted to "illegal" drugs in Germany at around 200,000. Yet, people may grow up immune to drug addiction if they acquire a stable basis for self-confidence and self-awareness in childhood. Ways to teach children to solve everyday problems and increase their self-confidence are explored. Highest priority should be given to primary prevention (pre-emptive action to avoid addiction) and should be emphasized during the pre-school years, as part of drug policy in Germany's most populous federal state, North Rhine Westphalia (NRW). A key role in drug use prevention is played by kindergarten staff, school teachers, social pedagogues active in youth organizations and supervisors in apprentice-training companies or centers. Various programs and resources can educate young children and help them recognize the risks associated with addiction. If primary prevention efforts do not work, then secondary prevention, such as withdrawal, therapy, substitution, or learning to live with drugs, are recommended. Specifics of illegal drug use in Germany are presented, along with statistics of first-time "hard" drug users from 1993-1995. Methods of prosecution and justice are also explored, as are efforts at international cooperation in stemming the drug trade. It is important to educate potential consumers and victims of drugs on the consequences of drug use. (RJM)