Several factors can act as a catalyst when combined with heavy substance use and are significantly related to youths' perception of needing help in controlling alcohol or drug use. These factors include experiencing serious physiological effects of the drug, psychological and other serious personal problems, and having an alcoholic in one's family. Sociocultural variables related to the recognition and labeling of mental and emotional problems among adults were not relevant to adolescents in this study. 3 tables and 24 references. (Author abstract modified)