There are 22 specialized in-patient units for the treatment of alcoholism, all headed by consultant psychiatrists. Recently appointments to two inpatient units took some time to fill, presumably because of lack of suitable applicants. This, together with the current planning or building of further units, indicates a need for more training to provide sufficient consultants now. If, however, the Department of Health and Social Security’s policy of developing a District service for alcoholics and drug addicts based on a consultant psychiatrist taking special responsibility for these problems at District level is to be established, the need for more training is still further emphasized.