School board permission was obtained to conduct the alcohol behavior study in nine schools of a large city in Ontario. Three high schools, three elementary schools, and three vocational schools were selected to participate in the study. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory was used to assess self-esteem levels of study participants. Findings revealed 41 percent of abstainers had medium self-esteem and 31 percent had high self- esteem. Of occasional drinkers, 36 percent had low self-esteem and 35 percent had medium self-esteem. Of problem drinkers, 36 percent had low self-esteem and 34 percent had medium self- esteem. Few adolescents were able to engage in drinking on a regular basis and avoid symptoms indicative of problem drinking. Implications of the findings on the link between alcohol consumption and self-esteem are considered with respect to the school environment, academic achievement, recognition, interpersonal socialization, parental influence, and peer influence. 24 references, 5 tables, and 2 figures