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Measurement and interpretation of alcohol use self-reports is characterized by a general lack of consensus. This study represents an effort to clarify what constitutes alcohol misuse among U.S. youth. A self-administered questionnaire eliciting opinions about cut-off point for alcohol misuse was mailed to 10 experts (7 men, 3 women) in alcohol research and treatment. These experts were selected to be representative of alcohol investigators from universities and research institutions from across the U.S. Respondents were asked to provide input with respect to frequency-quantity of alcohol use, high-risk drinking, and negative consequences items. Results revealed considerable variability in opinion about the different indicators of alcohol misuse. Exact agreement between different alcohol-use experts was rare. Reliability estimates revealed highest agreement for indicators of high-risk drinking, followed by negative consequences, and then frequency-quantity. Comments from the experts indicated that most felt that frequency and quantity should be considered together rather than separately. As expected, recommended cut-off points for alcohol misuse varied by age of the drinker, with more leeway given to older than younger adolescents. Contains 21 references. (Author/LSR)