This paper reviews current knowledge of screening for alcoholism. It emphasizes the validity of some screening instruments, e.g. standardized questionnaires, the accuracy of which appears to be superior to that of other commonly used tests such as biological markers of alcohol intake. Regarding effectiveness of screening for alcoholism, recent studies have proposed new therapies, particularly for use in multidisciplinary medical settings. The leading role of physicians in building these models should be emphasized, since it is well-known that alcoholics are frequently medical patients. Another factor in favour of screening for alcohol problems is the significant reduction of medical costs antialcoholic for alcoholics under treatment. To allow development of screening programmes for alcoholism by physicians it is indispensable that their medical education provides adequate information regarding this important health matter.