AbstractThe article makes the point that chemically dependent adolescents are a heterogeneous population. Such adolescents are classified into four subtypes and described in terms of differences of both their drinking or drug use pattern as well as the desired goal; their behavior when drug affected; psychological features; characteristic pattern of social interaction; school performance; family dynamics, survivor role if a child of an alcoholic; previous psychiatric diagnoses if applicable; and finally appropriate treatment strategies for each type of adolescent.