Our own unresolved authority problems from our youth sometimes get transferred to our youthful patients, because we are still "covert adolescent rebels." In subtle ways, we encourage the adolescent patient to rebel towards parents, school authorities, and society in general.

Our teenage "druggies" are habituated to drugs rather than addicted. While beer and other alcoholic beverages are preferred drugs, kids have simply not used alcohol long enough to become addicted. The other drug of preference - marijuana - is not addictive.

Second, the only proven technique for treatment for chemically dependent people involves use of a spiritual program of self-change.

If a child has an older sibling involved in an addiction, there is a 90 percent chance that he or she will get involved too.

If his/her siblings and parents are not treated and he/she is strong enough to continue the recovery, a sibling will take up the "druggie" role.

A certain group of adolescents evidence clear "druggie" behavior and attributes some time before they actually begin drug use.

Our own unresolved authority problems from our youth sometimes get transferred to our youthful patients, because we are still "covert adolescent rebels." In subtle ways, we encourage the adolescent patient to rebel towards parents, school authorities, and society in general.