Abstract
Adolescent alcohol and drug use are associated with many negative consequences. Understanding/actors in initiation and patterns of use could aid in treatment and prevention. Sixty-four adolescents calling a cocaine hotline received structured telephone interviews. Mean age was 16.7 years. Two-thirds of the adolescents were young men. Sixty-six percent used alcohol; 60.9%, marijuana; 60.9%, cocaine; mean onset was at 13–57, 13.28, and 14.64 years, respectively. Daily use of alcohol was reported by 25.8%; marijuana, 36.9%; and cocaine, 41.3%. Eighty-four percent tried drugs because of peer pressure. Multiple alcohol/drug use commonly started in early adolescence. Peer use and pressure were major reasons for initiation. Early interventions can incorporate and make use of these factors.