Underage Drinking Declining?

A study published this month by the Underage Drinking Enforecment Center in Maryland (http://www.udetc.org/documents/ResourceAlerts/ResourceAlert0209.pdf) indicates that alcohol consumption has decreased significantly among 8th graders and high school students compared to the mid 1990's. They cite the fact that alcohol is more difficult to obtain as a major reason for the decrease.

I realize that anecdotal case evidence is not as valid as empirical research, but as a clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and families from a variety of backgrounds, socio-economic status, and mental health functioning, I am astounded at the reported decrease in alcohol use by this study. I am not questioning the investigators, nor their data-I just don't see the decrease in teen alcohol use. I also don't hear from the kids I work with, that it is that difficult to get alcohol. They seem to have clever and resourceful ways to get what they want.