Reports indicate that 90 percent of students have used at least one illegal substance by 12th grade. The abuse of alcohol and/or other illegal drugs ranges from random experimentation to a complex pattern of regular use of a combination of drugs. Social acceptance, compensation for interpersonal skill deficits, rebellion against authority such as parents and schools, and experimentation are some reasons why adolescents particiapte in drug-taking behavior. Drug use by adolescents presents serious problems, such as threats to physical health, poor school performance, illegal activity, postponement of identity development, interpersonal skill attainment, and the experience of autonomous behavior. This paper discusses systemic intervention treatments for non-institutionalized drug-abusing young persons. A therapist-family relationship, parental coalition and action, home detoxification, probation, therapeutic use of urinalyses, and countering adolescent sabotage are described as goals necessary to attain a therapeutic climate. Scenarios are provided to illustrate interventions discussed. 29 references. (Author abstract modified)