Alcohol dependence is a chronic disease with many consequences and needs long-term follow-up. The Public Health Service of the state of Vaud has decided to create a coordinated action plan of indications and follow-up for alcohol dependent patients covering the whole state. As described in this article, the aims of this action plan are to standardize the evaluation, the care and the follow-up for alcohol dependent patients, to improve the accessibility to care by promoting less intense care and to improve the continuity of care from inpatient treatment to ambulatory care. This action plan aims to allow a better accessibility to specialized care, to improve treatment adherence and a reduction of relapses.