[Some problems in the cross-cultural adaptation of programs for primary prevention of alcohol abuse]

The subject of this article is a presentation of chosen problems connected with cross-cultural adaptation of school-based prevention programmes. These problems are described according to an example of the two first parts of the American Northland Project. The aim of this project is to delay the onset of alcohol use among young adolescents. As the first step, the adaptation required an expert opinion on the goals and theoretical background of the Northland Project. The second was adjustment of the programme to Polish cultural conditions - however, these changes could not modify the prevention strategies, which were used in the programme and which determined its effectiveness. The goal of the adaptation was creation of the Polish version, which will be accepted by students, their parents and teachers. The final step of adaptation, was evaluation of the effectiveness of the Polish version of the programme.