In 1996 the Institute of Medicine (IOM, 1996) issued a report on pathways to addiction. Although focused on the use of illegal drugs, the recommendations of the committee are equally applicable to more socially condoned, but still addictive, substances such as alcohol. The IOM (1996) report articulated the types of research that would be needed to expand the understanding of the etiology of drug use disorders, including the following: (a) multidisciplinary research to investigate the combined effects of biological, psychosocial, and contextual factors as they relate to the development of drug use, abuse, and dependence; (b) studies of sufficient duration to enable follow-up of participants in determining the role of risk and protective factors related to the transition from drug use to abuse to dependence; (c) research investigating the role of family factors in the etiology of drug use and abuse; (d) examination of psychopathology as a precursor to drug use and abuse in adolescents and adults; (e) studies of risk and protective factors related to drug use and abuse, especially during discrete developmental stages; and (f) investigation of childhood risk and protective factors that are associated with drug abuse and dependence. In reflecting on these comprehensive goals, striking similarities emerge with respect to these research foci and the field of developmental psychopathology (Cicchetti & Cohen, 1995; Cicchetti & Toth, 1991). Specifically, the principles that guide inquiries conceptualized within a developmental psychopathology framework can be applied toward the conduct of studies designed to address the agenda generated by the IOM (1996) report on substance abuse.