We present the evidence-based overview how to prevent the problems caused by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs from the prenatal period to adolescence. The prevention in early childhood is largely non-specific. It focuses primarily on creating a favourable environment for children development. Later on, social skills become also important and prevention becomes more specific and deals with the psychoactive substances which children may meet in the near future.

Key words: prevention – psychoactive substances – childhood – adolescence – family