Adolescent use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs is currently increasing. Three out of four adolescents report regular drinking. Significant alcohol, inhalant, and cigarette use is reported as early as fourth grade, and alcohol experimentation increases from 6 to 17 percent between fourth and sixth grades. Adolescence is a high risk stage for all youth, given the adolescent search for identity. Although patterns of use differ among individuals and according to ethnicity, youth learn drinking patterns from their parents. General factors increasing the likelihood that a youth will abuse substances include being home alone after school, having friends who approve of or use alcohol or other drugs, a history of cigarette use, and frequent delinquency. Substance abuse treatment programs for adolescents cannot simply be scaled-down versions of adult programs, for adolescents differ in significant ways. A "second-chance" treatment model involving a trusting relationship between adolescent and adult within the context of a consistent set of rules and a peer-governed community is often successful. Traditional, often-successful prevention programs for preadolescents, such as information or self-esteem or decision-making skills programs, frequently miss success with adolescents, for whom comprehensive community programs including peer group pressure seem best. (MSF)