Polysubstance abuse--a case study

This article presents the case history of a 23-year-old white male's recovery from 12 years of alcohol and other substance abuse. The peer pressures that led to the experimental use of marijuana at age 11 and the evolving social relations that contributed to chronic substance use are described. Included are details about the subject's family life, peer relationships, criminal involvement, and transition from alcohol and marijuana use to chronic amphetamine addiction. Experiences with drug burn-out and the eventual rehabilitation and recovery process that led to a lifestyle that is currently free of drugs. The case is discussed in the context of current theoretical and empirical research in adolescent drug abuse.