DEVELOPMENTAL VICISSITUDES THAT PROMOTE DRUG-ABUSE IN ADOLESCENTS

Adolescence is a time of significant developmental transformation duri ng which the teenager may be susceptible to experimental behaviors suc h as illicit drug use. This risk-taking proclivity may arise because t he adolescent is just beginning to consolidate the skills of formal op erations thought, including abilities to predict behavioral outcomes, weigh options, select alternatives, and adopt the perspective of other s. Lacking these skills, teenagers may have difficulty adjusting to pu bertal status and family conflict One technique for overcoming this co gnitive deficit is previewing, which focuses the teenager on imminent outcomes. A case history concerning a teenager abusing marijuana illus trates how previewing may help overcome maladaptive patterns.