This paper utilizes observations and statistics from the case histories from Banyan House, a residential drug treatment program, in an attempt to expose the differences between the myths held as facts by the public and the real parameters and causes of the development of substance abuse by the individual. It includes a description of the treatment approach as it arises out of the perceived development of a substance abusing young adult. It brings to focus the family and parenting situations which appear to be precursors of substance abuse and suggests the possibility of identifying “high risk” individuals prior to the onset of substance abuse. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of the community accepting responsibility to find ways of providing help to parents and their children.