Results found that drinking and binge drinking among the Southeast Asians were highly prevalent, higher in some aspects than national rates, and many times higher than rates reported for Asians in the United States. Especially troubling were the high prevalence of drinking among underage youth and the apparent associations of drinking with violent and criminal behavior. Environmental and cultural influences specific to the Southeast Asian refugee experience may encourage drinking. Since arriving in California, many Southeast Asians have experienced racism, interracial tensions, and community violence. In response, many Southeast Asians joined street gangs which have been found to contribute to drug and alcohol use and abuse. Social and linguistic isolation may contribute to drinking problems among adults, particularly elders. Many adults reported using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs to self-medicate for depression and anxiety. Data were collected in a mixed-method study focusing on norms and practices related to use of tobacco and other substances among 2 generations (n=64) of Bay Area Southeast Asians. Tables and references