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Research has established the dangers of early onset substance use for young adolescents and its links to a host of developmental problems. Because critical developmental detours can begin or be exacerbated during early adolescence, specialized interventions that target known risk and protective factors in this period are needed. This controlled trial (n= 83) provided an experimental test comparing multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) and a peer group intervention with young teens. Participants were clinically referred, were of low income, and were mostly ethnic minority adolescents (average age= 13.73 years). Treatments were manual guided, lasted 4 months, and were delivered by community agency therapists. Adolescents and parents were assessed at intake, at 6-weeks post-intake, at discharge, and at 6 and 12 months following treatment intake. Latent growth curve modeling analyses demonstrated …