ABSTRACT
The use and abuse of alcohol and other illicit substances by adolescents is a common phenomenon. In 1999, approximately half of high school seniors and over 20% of eighth graders reported having used marijuana at some point in their young lives (Johnston et al. 1999). Six percent of seniors reported daily cannabis use. Approximately 30% of seniors and 15% of eighth graders reported drinking five or more drinks in a row in the preceding 2 weeks. Despite being a common occurrence, substance use among adolescents is not always a benign behavior. Problems associated with substance use among adolescents include suicide, unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents and drownings, and increases in risk-taking behaviors (Bukstein 1995). Substance use and use disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among adolescents (CDCP 2000).
