The purpose of the study were to establish workable constructs and methods of evaluation suitable for follow-up investigations of alcoholic patients, and to ascertain the results of treatment at this clinic by applying such methods to patients seen over a 4-year period. A form was devised for gathering and collating data obtained in a clinical interview. Of 60 patients interviewed, 48 were abstinent alcoholics, 7 were changed-pattern alcoholics, 5 were drinking alcoholics. In assaying the 46 factors pertinent to an understanding of patients who were able to become abstinent, the most significant proved to be personal relationships in all its ramifications, including diminution in psychiatric symptoms, increased interest in other people and the external environment, improved relationships with spouse and children, reduction of defensiveness and denial, and increased reliance upon inner psychological resources rather than alcohol.