In the early 1970's many countries began using surveys to collect data that would either support or refute alarming reports of the prevalence of drinking by youth. Such surveys fall into two main categories. The first can be designated as exclusively descriptive or as exploratory. The second category has either had a theoretical basis or used more rigorous sampling procedures. Most surveys have had cross-sectional designs. Samples used in national surveys differ in relation to age groups and representativeness. Surveys have collected a wide range of data on young people's drinking. A few studies have included questions about whether young people have been involved in difficulties with their families, friends, or officialdom because of drinking, and some have investigated the prevalence of drunken driving and accidents caused by drinking. The main problem in using survey techniques is that the incidence of alcohol misuse may be low. The survey method is better suited to examining young people's drinking patterns than to examining the consequences of their drinking. 26 references