This third chapter in "The Challenge of Counseling in Middle Schools" contains four articles on peer pressure and drug abuse in early adolescence. "Initiation of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Midel School Years," by Robert Hubbard, Rebecca Brownlee, and Ron Anderson, presents a study designed to provide a prospective assessment of the nature and extent of alcohol and drug abuse among middle school youths. "A Counseling Approach to Alcohol Education in Middle Schools," by Emily Garfield Ostrower, describes a curriculum and program, specifically for middle school students, to focus on alcohol and the personal problems associated with alcoholism. "Preventing Adolescent Drug Abuse," by Lindy LeCoq and Dave Capuzzi, describes an eight-session model for a group counseling program within the school setting for preventing drug abuse. "Drug Information: The Facts About Drugs and Where to Go for Help," by Edwin Gerler, Jr. and Stephen Moorhead, presents facts about drugs, their effects, and evidence of abuse. Included are discussions of alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, inhalants, cocaine, psychedelics, depressants, narcotics, and designer drugs. Sources of additional drug information are provided. (NB)