Special efforts were made in the course of the study to promote the health and general quality of life of South African youth, especially those between 10 and 21 years of age who lived in disadvantaged communities; to nationally survey the nature and prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; and to facilitate the development of national, comprehensive, and research-based alcohol and drug prevention programs. Study findings showed drinking and tobacco use primarily involved male and seemed to go together and be part of entry into adulthood. Male drinkers preferred ordinary beer and distilled spirits, whereas wine was popular among female drinkers. Initiation into drinking and tobacco use tended to occur in uncontrolled rather than in controlled social circumstances, and friends were usually the suppliers. Reasons for first use of alcohol, tobacco, and solvents tended to be experimentation, pressure from friends, and fun. Associations between drinking and tobacco use and social circumstances influenced decisions to abstain. Implications of the study findings for AIDS risk, public health, and drug prevention programs are examined. 32 tables