As communities around the country consider how best to prevent drug use, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is convening its 2nd National Conference on Drug Abuse Prevention Research to bring together the nation's premier researchers, prevention practitioners and policymakers. Five years ago, when drug use was increasing among youth at an alarming rate, NIDA hosted its first national conference to encourage community leaders to consider how science-based information can be applied to local drug problems. NIDA's 2nd conference, August 9-10 in Washington, DC, will continue the dialogue begun in 1996. Sixty speakers and 800 participants from around the country will exchange views on the most effective approaches to stemming drug use by the Nation's youth. The outcome will be a significant update of NIDA's well-regarded guide to drug abuse prevention for communities.

"Prevention research has continued to add specifics and show how carefully constructed, science-based programs can significantly reduce drug use," says NIDA Director Dr. Alan I. Leshner. "The task at this conference is to further the discussion of ways to facilitate the adaptation and use of these important findings in real-life settings."