Relative to urban adolescents, research indicates a higher prevalence rate of alcohol use among rural adolescents. However, detailed research investigation of alcohol use among young rural adolescents has been limited. This longitudinal study investigated the relationship among five dimensions of assertiveness (specific substance refusal, individual rights, transaction, justice, and social approach) and a composite index of alcohol use across time in a sample of young rural adolescents. The dimensions of assertiveness were validated with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The study sample consisted of 470 seventh graders from 36 rural schools in a Midwestern State. The study evaluated the relationships among gender, dimensions of assertiveness, and alcohol use across time using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA). The results indicate several assertiveness dimensions as having significant effects on the alcohol use index, and significant two-way and three-way interaction effects (gender X time X assertiveness dimension). The results support the idea of including multidimensional assertiveness skill development as a component of preventive interventions. Tables, figures, references and appendix