Excessive alcohol consumption is a worldwide major public health problem. Persons who drink more than 2-3 drinks per day are at risk for numerous medical, psychological and social problems. Brief interventions have shown to be an efficient treatment modality for problem drinkers in settings such as primary care, emergencies or psychiatric hospitals by numerous randomized studies. Brief intervention consists typically in a brief assessment, giving patients personal feedback, dealing with resistance and ambivalence, establishing a goal of reduced alcohol use, and giving a workbook; reinforcement visits or calls are included. Brief interventions seem to be particularly effective in patients with alcohol problem without dependence.