Toward a systems-ecological approach to the prevention of adolescent alcohol abuse.

Findings from a questionnaire survey of adolescent drinkers are discussed in terms of developmental trends in alcohol and drug use, prevalence of drinking problems and the psychosocial correlates of problem drinking. Canonical correlation procedures are used to illustrate how multivariate statistical analysis can serve as a rational guide to the derivation of prevention goals and the formulation of prevention strategies. The basic elements of a "systems-ecological" approach are then presented as a conceptual basis for prevention strategies designed to meet these goals.