Previous research on ethnic differences in drug use has suggested significant variations in substance use by race. However, studies regarding ethnicity and drug use have been limited outside of the United States. The current study drew on a sample of 200 regular drug users aged 16 to 20 years who were recruited by their peers from 10 further education colleges across inner London. Participants completed self-report questionnaires probing patterns of cigarette, alcohol, cannabis, stimulant, and other drug use. The primary research question involved the nature of ethnic differences in drug use among young people. Results of multiple and logistic regression analysis indicated that age, gender, and educational attainment were all associated with drug abuse risk, yet none were as significantly related to drug abuse risk as ethnic group membership. Young Whites demonstrated the most risk in terms of cigarette consumption, alcohol and cannabis use, age at first use, and lifetime prevalence for stimulant and other drug use. The results remained when socioeconomic deprivation variables were controlled. Interestingly, while ethnic group membership was the most significant predictor of drug use, deprivation was most significantly associated with problem drug use. Given the profound nature of ethnic differences in drug use found in this study, future research in this area is needed. Tables, figures, references