Teens consecutively admitted to two adolescent drug and alcohol inpatient treatment programs in San Diego (California) were recruited as part of a larger longitudinal study. Coping responses were elicited for both a self-generated and a hypothetical high risk for relapse situation. No differences were found in appraisal or coping in self-generated situations in which all teens abstained. However, in the hypothetical high risk situation, abstainers and minor relapsers were found to employ more problem-focused coping and appraised the situation as more important and difficult than did major relapsers. Teens who return to drug and alcohol abuse appear to have fewer problem-focused coping resources available, thus, assessment and instruction of problem-focused strategies during treatment may prove a useful clinical intervention. 4 tables and 31 references (Author abstract modified)