This document is one of seven publications contained in a series of materials for physicians on recognizing, intervening with, and treating adolescent alcoholism. The materials in this unit of study are designed to familiarize the physician with the intervention process as it may be used in the treatment of adolescent alcoholics. Both the intervention process and associated issues related to physician decision-making and to communications between the physician and the patient and his/her family are presented. This unit of study will enable the physician to: (1) recognize common defenses used by alcoholics and the characteristics of each defense; (2) list emotional and behavioral patterns exhibited by patients which are associated with resisting treatment; (3) identify personal attitudes which can interfere with the treatment of the adolescent alcoholic; (4) decide on personal approaches regarding ethical issues of confidentiality necessary to facilitate therapy; (5) develop at least one approach to telling parents that their child has an alcohol-related problem and anticipate possible parental reactions; (6) determine the relationships between parental alcohol use and adolescent alcohol abuse; (7) explain the details of formal intervention; and (8) identify key issues in monitoring and following the alcoholic adolescent. (NB)