It sounds like you're suggesting they were selling. Which if so clearly people were using. Back in the 90's it was easy to hide shit. Especially small towns. It's not like you're all living on one block. Sounds like rural area and that's a lotta land.

> Alcohol... many people had a problem with it.

I think this disproves your entire point. We both know that problematic drinking isn't socially acceptable in those small towns. Especially with the religiousness. So probably a different factor that you're conflating.