This paper represents a first step in the application of the principles of cost-effectiveness/cost-benefit analysis to primary drug abuse prevention programs. Four primary prevention programs, representative of the four program modalities, were selected as a basis for exploring the feasibility of applying the methodology and using existing data. The basic conclusion from this study is that cost-effectiveness/benefit evaluation is feasible for primary prevention programs. However, at the present time widespread use is constrained by the lack of proper control groups and the lack of drug-specific data at the program level.
