Studies of behaviorally based alcoholism treatment regimes are critically reviewed. Aversion therapies, systematic desensitization, operant conditioning, and procedures designed to teach controlled drinking are examined. Variations in success rates among studies are analyzed in terms of differences in patient populations, assessment procedures, and extraneous treatment variables such as instructional set. The significance of comprehensive treatments, which not only suppress drinking but also accelerate behaviors that are incompatible with alcohol abuse, is discussed. On the basis of recent research data an in vivo operant conditioning approach is recommended