Data from a survey of inner-city junior high school youths examined how their self-images related to their drug use. Boys and girls who were oriented to drug/gang or drug culture values were involved with drugs; those who were educationally oriented were not into substance taking. In finding that the boys and girls related to their environment in a manner that was consistent with their drug taking, the results emphasize the interface of personality and socio/cultural perspectives on substance use. Limited insight into the youngsters' drug behavior is provided by focusing on them as individuals or on prevalent values in their community. Neighborhood values assume importance when they become internalized into the youths' self-perceptions and are reflected in their activities. (Author)