Reasons underlying adolescent drug use are reviewed, as are the scope, patterns, and consequences of such use. Behaviors that could indicate problems such as substance abuse are listed. The author identifies sociological factors that increase the risk of substance abuse for teenagers. These include four types of parents: alcoholics, teetotalers, overly demanding, and overly protective. Heredity and normal physiological changes that occur during adolescence and rapid growth are cited as other risk factors. An overview of treatment focuses on three theoretical issues: the concept that substance abuse is a potential component of normal exploration and development of ego identity; the belief that treatment should focus on the maturity of the drinker rather than drinking patterns; and the possibility that intervention could prevent the adolescent from coming to terms with drugs in his or her own manner and thus stunt normal development. The effectiveness or primary versus secondary prevention tactics when dealing with adolescents is examined. 20 references.