This study examined patterns of alcohol consumption by students in a rural Texas high school. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with students, teachers, and parents. Discussions were conducted and taped during a planned "Alcohol Awareness Week." Teacher and parent responses were sought to questions directed at their feelings about the effects of alcohol on students, families, school, and community. In general, students were found to look upon their drinking as social, tension-reductive, and reflective of the behavior patterns of their parents and extended families, as well as peers. Community law enforcement was described as very lax, allowing the students to have weekend beer bashes regularly. Some students indicated that serious drinkers do exist in the community. The effects of alcohol were profound and negative in the teachers' opinions, affecting the students' discipline, performance in school, self-concept, and discipline both at home and in school. There was general consensus that alcohol has profound effects on families, ranging from divorce, uncomfortable home environment, and alienation, to economic instability. Most of the parents reported that they and their children do not drink at home or away from home, nor do their children drive under the influence of alcohol. However, they indicated that they worry about peer influence leading them to drink. Survey data corresponded closely with the findings of a statewide survey, although alcohol consumption was higher. (LLL)