ABSTRACT
Adolescence is a critical time for the establishment of healthy behaviors but it is also a key time for experimentation and self-discovery. The use of alcohol and drugs is often a part of this experimentation and is largely the norm by the end of high school. Adult drinking tends to be characterized by frequent, low levels of consumption. In contrast, adolescents tend to drink relatively infrequently, often consuming alcohol only a few times a month. However, when they drink, youth consume alcohol in much higher quantities. Understanding why youth use alcohol and other drugs is essential to developing more effective strategies for prevention and treatment. It is important to remember that all substance use is goal-directed, meaning that, just like adults, adolescents use substances to achieve specific benefits or meet certain needs. Most commonly, youth report using alcohol and marijuana for social reasons, to have fun and feel connected with peers.
