This paper describes the role of four types of cognitive misperceptionrelated
variables in the arena of drug misuse: cognitive-information
errors, limitations in cognitive processes occurring during a period of
experimentation with drug use, belief-behavior congruence maintenance,
and situational/contextual distortion. Several current prevention
strategies are provided aimed to counteract these misperception-related
variables. By addressing each of these variables, novel drug misuse preventive
strategies might be uncovered.