Factors related to drinking habits among 663 adolescents 14, 15, 17 and 18 years old were investigated in three municipalities by means of a questionnaire. In a multiple regression analysis, variation in alcohol consumption was examined using several independent variables describing access to alcohol, behavioural factors, environmental influences, attitudes and demographic background. The most important factors predicting high alcohol consumption were early drinking debut, being away from home at night without the parents' knowledge, having friends who drink a lot and early high consumption of unhealthy foods such as soft drinks, peanuts and chips. All these factors were again related to upbringing and home environment.