One hundred twenty-two delinquent males from 8 to 17 years of age were studied at the Massachusetts Youth Service Board''s Reception-Detention Center for: the existence or extent of problem drinking and the boys'' attitudes about drinking and non-drinking by adults and other adolescents. Sixteen per cent of the group were problem drinkers and their drinking experiences and attitudes about drinking differed markedly from those of "normal" adolescents. Significant variations between their negativistic attitudes toward drinking, in general, and particularly problem drinking and their actual drinking practices also were found.