Abstract
Alcohol and drug abuse use disorders represent two of the most serious health issues facing society today, with as many as 34% of youth meeting criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence and 23% meeting criteria for a substance use diagnosis for any substance prior to reaching adulthood (Cohen et al., 1993; Reinherz, Giaconia, Lefkowitz, Pakiz, & Frost, 1993). The impact for those youth who are engaging in problematic substance use can be devastating. Alcohol and drug use can have negative effects on physical and psychological development and family relationships and has been associated with conflicts with authority figures, school failure, criminal behavior, comorbid psychiatric disorders, unwanted pregnancy, HIV sexual risk behaviors, fatal and nonfatal accidents and injuries, emergency room admissions, homicides, and suicides. This chapter provides an overview of adolescent alcohol and drug abuse, focusing on the course and treatment of the disorder in a referred adolescent and providing a detailed description of the intervention implemented.