Review of Alcohol and substance abuse in adolescence.

Reviews the book, Alcohol and substance abuse in adolescence edited by J. S. Brock, D. J. Lettieri, D. W. Brook, and Barry Stimmell (1985). The introductory "editorial" in this volume sets three goals which sound more like a handbook: elucidate the reasons why youth turn to drugs, how to manage those afflicted and how to educate for prevention. The papers focus largely on the first, and leave the latter two for the readers to infer. Most of the usual themes of adolescent drug use are covered: the influence of peer groups, the influence (or lack thereof) of parents, psychological development of identity and individuation. Drug use is discussed in relation to social influences, personality dynamics and adolescent development and maturation. However, the authors seem to equate any adolescent drug use (particularly marijuana) with excessive involvement. Surely it is important to examine the variations in why and how various drugs are used by that age group. It remains for others to explore the boundaries between drug use and abuse, to identify high risk patterns and to develop strategies to promote normal, healthy maturation of adolescents in a drug-drenched society. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)