If the present provision of services for alcoholics is not improved as a result of all the efforts and stimulus of the Department of Health and Social Security, social, medical and voluntary agencies will need to start asking some questions about their own motivation rather than complain about how unmotivated alcoholics are. The latest move by the Department is a Circular, 21/73, entitled Community Services for Alcoholics. It is a tribute to the Department that funds are now available to assist alcoholics, who are not noted for being very popular; even the Circular admits “the reluctance of public opinion to recognize the scale and nature of the problem in their midst”. In essence, the circular makes clear the seriousness of the alcoholic problem for the whole community and the need to develop a “comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation service for all alcoholics”. Elements in this service include social workers and others able to assess the problem, particular attention being given to early diagnosis and prevention; hospital treatment facilities—a further six units are planned; special provision for vagrant alcoholics, including “shop fronts” and detoxification centres; hostels—where financial help is particularly forthcoming—information and advice centres. We shall be fortunate if within five years even some of these elements are in operation in all health authority areas.