This report discusses the substance use patterns and problems of black adults and youth relative to other groups (primarily whites). In addition, the report examines recent and older literature in order to reveal factors that may influence use and issues that need to be considered in designing prevention programs. The following sections are included: (1) "Nature and Extent of Use"; (2) "Substance-Related Problems"; (3) "Correlates of Use"; (4) "Prevention"; and (5) "Summary and Conclusions." Within each section, adults, youth, and use of various drugs are considered separately. The following findings are presented: (1) there is a paucity of research on substance abuse among black youths and on prevention programs designed for them; (2) alcohol and other drug use is lower among black adolescents than among whites; (3) blacks report the highest number of problems for each ounce of alcohol consumed per day compared to other ethnic groups; and (4) once blacks enter young adulthood, their risk of developing alcohol-related problems is substantially greater than that for whites. Abstracts of 12 documents concerning substance abuse among blacks are included. A list of 131 references is included. (JS)