Drug use and psychosocial profile of young Central American immigrants in Washington, D.C., were compared to the National Household Survey of Latinos. The immigrants showed: (1) more exposure to alcohol and illicit drugs; (2) interrelated marijuana, cocaine, PCP, and hallucinogenic drug use; and (3) a positive association between psychosocial competency and ratio of perceived supports/threats. Drug involvement intensity was negatively associated with psychosocial competence and positively with instrumental drug use, CAGE scores, and problems. Crisis scores and drug involvement were related only in the high support/threat group. Supportive environments may be more effective than threats in preventing drug use.