In 1987, we began a longitudinal study of the offspring of alcoholic parents and have beenfollowing this group of young adults from their freshman year in college throughout theirtransition into later young adulthood. The goal of this review is to highlight some of the findingswe consider most important and relevant to the development of pathological alcohol involvementin young adulthood. Courses of pathological alcohol involvement in young adulthood areoutlined. Predictors of both the development and course of pathological alcohol use in youngadulthood are also addressed, including family history of alcoholism, personality, alcohol usemotivations, and role transitions. While certainly a problem in its own right, pathological alcoholinvolvement can also affect the attainment of important life tasks and success in various liferoles. Consequently, we also examine the effects of pathological alcohol involvement on laterrole transitions and role attainment. Finally, prevention, policy, and treatment issues surroundingthis stage of life are discussed.