This guide, designed for use with secondary school students, attempts to prevent drug and alcohol abuse among students. The Key Competencies program targets several characteristics which have been identified in addicted children: poor self image, improper sense of values, and lack of identity. For grades seven through nine, strategies are presented to help students understand that: (1) drug and alcohol abuse cause problems for individuals and society; (2) many things affect behavior; (3) life is not always happy; (4) people need a sense of identity; (5) they are part of a family; (6) they are part of a society; (7) they are individuals; (8) making decisions and facing consequences are part of growing up; and (9) carrying out responsibilities gives people more control over their lives. For grades 10 through 12, strategies are presented to help students understand that drugs and alcohol affect individuals differentially, the cost of drug dependence goes beyond money, and treatment and rehabilitation are difficult and often unsuccessful. (Author/NRB)