Results indicate that parental interaction was an important predictor of adolescent drug abuse. Parental use of psychological control and affective punishment and achievement pressure, especially from fathers, were related to drug abuse. This combined influence of high expectations and parental withdrawal of affection suggests that adolescents perceived their parents' approval as conditional. Adolescents also perceived their mothers as intrusive and overprotective and indicated that their fathers spent little time teaching them instrumental skills necessary for adult life. Adolescents' belief patterns and themes suggest that drug abuse provides an escape from the pressures of growing up and a means of avoiding the possible consequences of failure. This constellation of child-rearing practices and irrational beliefs are suggestive of approval anxiety. Finally, neither family structure nor lack of contact with parent emerged as significant predictors, suggesting that family interaction is a more important factor in drug use than family structure. Results suggest the incorporation of family and cognitive therapy components into adolescent drug treatment programs. 3 tables and 50 references. (Author abstract modified).