Abstract
This paper reviews some cultural issues in Mexican society related to alcohol/drug use and misuse. The aim is to provide information that could aid in the identification of opportunities and barriers for preventive actions appropriate to this country. Some of the country's socio-demographic characteristics and a historical overview of alcohol/drug use and misuse are presented, as are also data obtained through different research strategies such as anthropological studies and epidemiological surveys among different populations. An overview of the current preventive interventions and some suggestions to improve conceptualization on alcohol/drug use and misuse for future research and to guide preventive actions are included. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]