Although a great deal of effort has been devoted to the prevention of substance abuse and AIDS risk behaviors in adolescents, the success of such programs can be difficult to measure. This study, in Northeast Houston-Harris County, Texas, examines adolescent attitudes and behaviors toward sexual activity and AIDS and discusses barriers facing those attempting to implement AIDS prevention programs. Results indicate that interest in obtaining more knowledge concerning AIDS and substance use appears to exist at a high level among adolescents, with females being more receptive than males to such information. While the level of AIDS knowledge in general appears to be quite high, there do seem to be deficits in less publicized aspects of HIV transmission, with some variation across ethnic groups. Also not clearly evident is the respondents' knowledge of the relationship between drug use and engaging in at-risk sexual behaviors. Worry about contracting AIDS may or may not necessarily lead to adhering to safe-sexual practices. If school systems serve as the site of program delivery, continued presentation of prevention messages must be continued from middle through high school. Parent-teacher organizations should be encouraged to schedule programs which feature prevention messages. If the focus of these programs is on abstinence, with other "safe sex" recommendations presented within this context, greater receptivity to prevention may occur. Contains 14 references. (BF)