Alcohol use among urban youth has been regularly surveyed, but assessment of rural residents is rare. Information about factors associated with attitudes toward drinking could be especially useful to school counselors. This study used questionnaires to investigate the association of attitudes toward alcohol and alcohol use with the following independent variables: grade; gender; community; perceived peer attitude; perceived parental attitude; and knowledge of alcohol. Participating in the survey were 139 students at two high schools in rural Kansas. No significant relationships between alcohol habits and grade level, gender, or community were found. Results did indicate that perceived peer and parental attitudes significantly affect teenagers' attitude toward drinking and actual alcohol use; that there is also a relationship between knowledge of alcohol and attitude toward alcohol (with low knowledge of alcohol often indicating a more positive attitude); and between attitude toward drinking and alcohol use. The results seem to support the use of alcohol-awareness programs in rural high schools, and to encourage teachers and counselors to emphasize individuality and resistance to the influence of others. Includes 6 appendixes, 6 tables, and the survey instruments. Contains 23 references. (CC)