Etiological research which used the social development approach is reviewed. Studies identified the family, school, and the peer group as three general contexts in which the social bond is formed. Research also indicates a link between other determinants of the onset of chemical use and early antisocial behavior, attitudes, beliefs, personality traits, and early initiation of use. Findings indicate that: (1) the use of drugs, including alcohol, has origins in the family, (2) a positive relationship between childhood antisocial behavior and subsequent abuse is relatively consistent, (3) association with drug-using peers during adolescence is among the strongest predictors of adolescent drug use, and (4) individual personality traits, attitudes, and beliefs are related to substance use. Research on the relationship between school experiences in childhood, and adolescent drug use produced mixed results. 206 references.