The Rosenberg Scale, a 10-item test of self-esteem, was completed by 19 alcoholics (3 women) and 81 nonalcoholics (9 women) charged with driving while intoxicated; scores of 0-10 indicated degree of self-esteem. The alcoholics scored significantly lower than the nonalcoholics (P < .01). Scores of 3-6 were received by 23% of the alcoholics and 7% of the nonalcoholics, a score of 7 was achieved by 29 and 6%, respectively, 8 by 6 and 11%, 9 by 18 and 34% and 10 by 23 and 41%. On the basis of interviews with their counselors, 5 of the 19 alcoholics were classified as help-seekers, willing to seek treatment for their alcoholism, 5 as help-rejectors and 7 were in an intermediate group. All 5 help-seekers scored below 8 on the Rosenberg Scale; 4 of the 5 help-rejectors scored 8 or above, suggesting that alcoholics with lower self-esteem are more willing to seek treatment.