Computer-assisted strategies for substance abuse prevention: opportunities and barriers.

This article presents an analysis of the potential role that computer-assisted strategies could play in substance abuse prevention efforts in the future. Four primary areas are addressed. First, substance abuse prevention is discussed within the context of adolescent development. Second, computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is defined in terms of the opportunities it represents for substance abuse prevention. Third, a variety of barriers are described that must be addressed if the potential of CAI for enhancing substance abuse prevention efforts is ever to be realized. Finally, recommendations are made for coordinating research and development efforts, now and in the future, so that the potential of new technology for improving substance abuse prevention efforts will be adequately evaluated.