Adolescents at risk for chemical abuse and chemical dependency constitute a highly diversified group with respect to age, background, level of psychopathology, life adjustment, and coping skills. Mental health specialists, school counselors, addictions clinicians, and other professionals need to be aware of the special needs of these adolescents when implementing education, prevention, or treatment programs. Strong efforts at early identification of vulnerable adolescents and the design of appropriate prevention and intervention programs are needed. Prevention and treatment models include community-based programs, school-based programs, day treatment centers, peer programs, and drug education programs. Specialized treatment approaches are needed for adolescents with psychological disorders, conduct disorders, identity disorders, overanxious disorders, avoidant disorders, attention deficit disorder, and other disorders. 30 references