I think the gathering of statistics on teen drinking and drug use is a fairly new phenomenon. I have been working with prevention (alchohol, drugs, behavior problems, mental health, etc) for several years and have seen statewide statistics. Use is fairly high, regardless of race or gender.

When I was in high school (pleeeeaaaase still love me after this confession ) my friends and I would go into liquor stores and bars with our uniforms on. We never had problems buying liquor. Sad, isn't it.

That part has changed quite a bit, and, as Kathy stated, most liquor is purchased by a family member, or an older friend. But I also know, especially in poorer neighborhoods, sales directly to underage children still happen.