INTRODUCTION TO THE SPECIAL ISSUE - DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVES ON ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS

A developmental perspective on drug abuse includes an understanding of the ''natural history'' of drug-using patterns and the context of such behavior in the lives of individuals. This context includes the developmental precursors of addictive behavior at an earlier stage of life, as well as an understanding of how certain stages of life, such as adolescence, may predispose such behavior. The articles in this special issue include studies of familial influences, behavioral and psychosocial correlates that are specific to a developmental period, and gender-related developmental sequelae.