The relationship between stress and substance use is longstanding. However, contemporary theories of substance use often ignore how the stresses and strains of life may motivate or magnify the use of licit and illicit substances. Much empirical research has focused on stress indicators such as unemployment, crowded living conditions, impoverished neighborhoods, victimization, family breakup, illness, homelessness, and life hassles as precursors and sometimes as consequences of drug use. However, this literature has several limitations, especially its lack of attention to changes within individuals over time. The subsequent papers in this journal focus on the dynamics of stress and alcohol use and abuse over time and the relationship between stress and the use of marijuana and cocaine among adolescents ages 11-17 years. Additional papers examine the link between varied types of stressors and the use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs and the connection between workplace stress and alcohol use among Japanese white-collar workers. The final paper provides a bibliographic essay on stress and substance use and notes that about three-quarters of the research has used adolescent samples. Further research needs to focus the specific links between stress and substance use and to explore the qualitative aspects of stressful life experiences. Figures, tables, author photographs and biographies, and chapter reference lists