Drinking habits among 663 adolescents 14, 15, 17 and 18 years of age in three local communities were investigated by means of a questionnaire. Half had tasted alcohol already at the age of 14 years. The total amount consumed per person per year averaged 3.5 litres pure alcohol. Geographical variations in consumption were more than six-fold. At the age of 17 years, boys began to consume more than girls. In both sexes, home distilled spirits was the most common beverage obtained or provided illegally. The main reason for drinking alcohol seems to be to get drunk.