This study examines social workers' perceptions of their daily work with young people who abuse alcohol and drugs. The purpose of this study was to examine how social workers' perceptions are affected by gender and main drug of choice of activities for young people who abuse. Methodically the study was conducted with qualitative interviews with social workers active in youth substance abuse treatment. The study was carried out a review of previous research in relation to empirical data for the reason to have a discussion of possible explanations of social workers' perceptions and their daily work with young people who abuse alcohol and drugs. The results showed that social workers' perceptions of their daily work with young people are about attitude, reflection and development opportunities in the practical session with the youth. These factors were crucial in work with young people. Results also showed that social workers did not experience any difference due to gender in the daily work but that the choice of actions in the daily work was based on young people's problems and what substance the young people used.