The developmental damage model represented the socioeconomic status of youth, parental presence in the household, family psychosocial problems, family contact with the justice system, sexual victimization, and physical abuse as interrelated experiences. The model hypothesized that these factors would influence the use of alcohol and other drugs, as well as juvenile delinquency. Initial interviews were completed with 399 juvenile detainees in Florida, and 305 follow-up interviews were completed after 4 months. The hypothesized model of relationships among family background and problem factors, sexual victimization, physical abuse experiences, alcohol and other drug use, and delinquent behavior over time was supported by data. The model's accuracy was particularly noteworthy with respect to marijuana and hashish use. Socioeconomic status and family composition were much less important in understanding marijuana and hashish use and juvenile delinquency than family involvement in crime and sexual victimization and physical abuse experiences. The authors conclude that family problems and early abuse experiences play a prominent role in theory and research on the drug use and other delinquent behavior of youth. 53 references, 2 tables, and 5 figures