Investigated the influence of families and peers on the development of antisocial child behavior and substance abuse. Drug exploration was examined in relation to the composite indices of family management practices, family interactional processes, peer influence, and parent drug use among 207 families. Analyses revealed significant correlations between the child’s early drug use and several composite scores reflecting maladjustment, including antisocial behavior, coercive behavior with family members as observed in the home, self-esteem, and depression. Data suggest that parent drug use was related to the child’s early sampling of drugs.