Youth narratives reflect an awareness of the contradictory messages present within their environments. Youth articulate the importance of family and peer influences on their decisions to engage in or refrain from drug trafficking. Their perceptions of themselves as belonging to a racial minority group also influence their views regarding the viable alternatives available to them for achieving success. Youth who are able to identify alternative activities from which they can derive positive experiences are less likely to become involved in drug trafficking. Recommendations for intervention at the familial, community, and institutional levels are discussed.