The results show that female inmate drug users were more likely to be older, have a longer history of involvement with the criminal justice system, be incarcerated for a drug-related offense, and have experienced more physical and emotional abuse than female inmates who did not use drugs. Black female drug-using inmates were more likely to have used cocaine and to be incarcerated for a larceny conviction, while white female drug- using inmates were more likely to use a variety of drugs and to report higher levels of abuse. Multiple drug use was correlated with abuse and lower levels of self-esteem among black women, and with a history of criminal justice system involvement among white women. 6 tables and 9 references