Asserts that a primary concern to the alcoholic and to those who try to help him is the behavior that causes alcohol dependency. While not disputing the view that alcoholism may be a disease, argues that full responsibility should be assigned to the alcoholic for his behavior. (NB)

Presents the complex factors, i.e., social determinants, drug types, personality characteristics, reasons for drug use and misuse, which characterize the drug experience. Defines awareness of these characteristics as a developmental approach to treatment and prevention of addiction. (RC)

A phenomenological investigation was conducted to examine the causal factors of adolescent substance abuse. Results indicated the adolescent substance abuser sees life as a struggle, sees self as an outsider, feels powerless and uses drugs to cope with anxiety. (RC)