This manual was designed to help program planners and others to develop an effective systems approach to fighting the war against alcohol and other drug use among youth in their communities. It explains how individual, interpersonal, and environmental situations and conditions contribute to alcohol and other drug use and provides strategies for combating each of these forces. Nine steps to planning and implementing an integrated program are also provided, with worksheets, planning charts, and other aids. Finally, model communities around the country that have been successful with these approaches are described. A glossary of key terms, a style sheet on alcohol and other drug terminology, and editorial guidelines for acronyms and abbreviations are included. The four chapters focus on these topics: (1) the impact of alcohol and other drug use and the importance of prevention; (2) a systems approach to alcohol and other drug use and implications for prevention; (3) prevention planning; and (4) case studies of comprehensive community prevention efforts. Included in the appendixes are a list of signs of alcohol and drug use; descriptions of relevant organizations and programs; the National Prevention Network Directory; a list of State and Territorial Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Program Directors; a guide to working with the media; and discussion of peer prevention programs. (ABL)