The second study tested MDFT versus CBT-based peer-group therapy in a younger group of adolescent substance abusers—a population that is at particularly high risk of worsening developmental problems, severe and chronic substance use disorders, depression, school failure, and unemployment in adulthood. Eighty-three teens, average age 13.5 years old, participated. Most had been referred to a substance abuse treatment program by either their schools or the juvenile justice system after using alcohol or a drug during the 30 days prior to an initial assessment or demonstrating imminent risk for substance use—for example, by getting caught with drugs in their possession.