The 246 females participated in a general health risk survey between May and July 1995 to determine patient needs for preventive health services. Alcohol consumption items in the questionnaire included measures of lifetime use, 30-day quantity of use, 30-day frequency of use, and 30-day and 2-week heavy drinking defined as five or more drinks in a row. Cigarette consumption items in the questionnaire included measures of lifetime use and 30-day and 7-day frequency of use. Results showed greater proportions of both adolescent and young adult white females engaged in lifetime alcohol and cigarette use and who reported having smoked while pregnant than comparably aged black females. Significantly more adult white females than adult black females experienced various alcohol problems. Smoking differences between whites and blacks were inversely related to education, with greater smoking risk associated with less education among whites and more education among blacks. The authors conclude female patients may have differential needs regarding alcohol and tobacco prevention services. 17 references and 4 tables