The treatment of African American males with substance abuse histories has been neglected in the literature. The relationship between substance use, ethnicity, and cultural identification is seldom addressed during treatment. Additionally, the role of social-political forces in the maintenance and promotion of substance use is typically not considered in most programs. Recent reports indicate that African Americans with a strongly defined racial consciousness appear less likely to be involved in the use, abuse, and marketing of drugs. The present paper examines this issue, and presents a developmental model that utilizes behavior and cognitive behavior therapy to develop a positive racial identity. A case example is presented illustrating the development of positive ethnic identity.