An understanding of how different racial and ethnic groups vary with respect to demographic characteristics and severity of psychosocial problems is necessary to better address the treatment needs of these subgroups. This study evaluated similarities and differences between African American and non-Hispanic Caucasian cocaine users initiating substance abuse treatment at community-based programs. At intake to treatment, patients completed the addiction severity index (ASI). African Americans (n=161) and Caucasians (n=86) differed with respect to gender, income and age. After controlling these demographic variables and treatment site, race-related differences were noted in many of the ASI composite scores. While African Americans had more severe employment problems, they had less severe alcohol, legal, family/social and psychiatric difficulties than Caucasians. These differences suggest that African Americans and Caucasians may benefit from treatment emphasizing different aspects of their psychosocial problems. Specifically, for many African American patients, employment-training programs may be particularly useful. Caucasians may be in greater need of treatment that focuses on concurrent cocaine and alcohol problems, as well as family and psychiatric difficulties.