The drug use patterns of 285 youth residing in six youth training or reception centers were compared with those of students surveyed in the 1985 schools study (Crundall, 1986); social and individual variables were also compared. The self-administered, multiple-choice questionnaire covered background information, drug use before institutionalization, and current behavior and attitudes. The drug categories examined were alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, hallucinogens, narcotics, stimulants, inhalants, analgesics, sleeping tablets, sedatives, and other medicines. The use of tobacco, marijuana, sedatives, stimulants, inhalants, hallucinogens, and narcotics was more prevalent and frequent among the institutionalized youth than among the general student population. The institutionalized youth had less typical social and familial support networks. Variations were also found within the target population. Females were more likely than males to use alcohol or marijuana to relieve boredom. Respondents older than 14 had a more favorable perception of alcohol use than did the younger respondents. Suggestions for future research are offered. 13 tables, 8 figures, appendixes, 32 references, questionnaire.