Ethnotheory is suggested as a way to study the roles Mexican American femal
e injecting drug users play. It is suggested that ethnotheory extends prese
nt theoretical models used to explain and modify female IDUs' behavior; pro
vide insights on female IDUs' roles useful for the development of effective
intervention strategies; and Suggests a type of ethnographic data collecti
on that uncovers the subject's view of reality. Three detailed ethnographic
excerpts from Mexican American female IDUs illustrate how female IDUs mana
ge the array of roles they play and how information gained through ethnothe
ory is useful in the design of culturally relevant interventions.