In this study 194 African American, Southeast Asian, Hispanic, Native American, and White adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 25 were interviewed during April and May of 1991. Subjects were recruited through several community-based organizations, schools, and other youth-serving programs in the Fighting Back program area in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Open-ended interviews were conducted and the interviews were taped, translated, and transcribed for analysis. Twenty-six percent reported that they had never used alcohol or drugs. Using alcohol and drugs in the company of friends was the primary recreational activity for 40% of those interviewed. Warnings against drug and alcohol abuse from family members did not seem to work. About half felt that their neighborhood was a good one to live in, with Whites expressing the most negative feelings about their neighborhoods. Youth perceptions of the effectiveness of community messages aimed at deterring youth from substance abuse were divided into three categories: effective, not effective, and somewhat effective. Youth who were involved in some form of organized community, sports, or church activity were less likely to be engaged in use and abuse of alcohol and drugs. (ABL)