In this study socioeconomic status and demographic differences in reported alcohol and drug use among Black, Hispanic, and White respondents to the 1988 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (T. Virag, B. Cox, & J. V. Rachel, 1991) were examined. White respondents reported significantly higher levels of alcohol and drug use than Blacks and Hispanics did. Separate regression analyses of alcohol and drug use by race revealed that education, income, and employment status were significant determinants of alcohol use. Employment status and marital status significantly influenced drug use among all respondents.