Salient issues in the development of alcohol abuse in adolescence.

A developmental orientation that focuses on phase specific adolescent events is proposed to conceptualize and direct research concerning adolescent drinking behavior. The potential usefulness of this approach is illustrated with regard to the developmental events of the onset of puberty, the changing roles of peers and friends, and the process of individuation with regard to parental relations. The role of childhood behavior problems as risk factors for adolescent alcohol abuse is discussed and a proposal is made to investigate further coexisting disorders among chemically dependent adolescents.