Because of the relatively high rate of drug use among American Indian adolescents, this project was planned to survey the use of drugs, especially inhalants, by American Indian children aged 9-12. As a means of gathering data, interviews were rejected in favor of a simply-worded survey administered to over 1000 children in 9 Southwestern tribes. Significant drug use existed among the children. By age 12, they had used marijuana, alcohol, and inhalants more than the average for a national sample of children aged 12-17. Nearly 5% were heavily involved in using more than one drug; another 13.8% used a single drug regularly; and 4.2% used some alcohol. Experimentation with pills was high among heavy users. Cigarette use was also high among heavy users, but 7% of those who used no drugs smoked at times. Significant correlates of drug use among the children were peer attitudes, community attitudes, family stability, identification with American Indian culture, deviant attitudes and behaviors, personal attitudes, school adjustment, and future expectations. The questionnaire (included) is reliable and valid. Its internal consistency is high. Except for the cultural identification questions, it is suitable for any group of children aged 9-12. (SB)