Most previous research has assumed that adolescent alcohol use and problem use represent acontinuum and are influenced by the same psychosocial factors, with problem use representingmore severe psychosocial impairment. The current study evaluated this assumption by identifyingthe correlates of adolescent alcohol use and those of problem use. Using a community sample ofadolescent children of alcoholics (COAs) and a demographically matched comparison group(non-COAs), a typology of adolescent alcohol use was created, and alcohol use groups werecompared on variables chosen from nine psychosocial domains. The correlates of problemalcohol use were different from those of moderate use. Problem use was associated withfundamental family disruptions and poor psychological functioning. In contrast, the determinantsof moderate alcohol use reflected unconventionality and socialization specific to alcohol. Fewpsychosocial variables distinguished abstainers from light drinkers. Intervention andmethodological implications of these findings are discussed.