SummaryIn an unselected alcoholic group only24per cent did not show signs of cerebral dysfunction on psychometric testing. There was a very much higher level of reported hostility and personality disturbance, combined with social disruption, than is usually reported in the literature. It was significant that16.66per cent of the original sample was lost because they discharged themselves within the fast two weeks of admission, a further60per cent of the remaining sample discharged themselves against medical advice before completing their treatment. It is suggested that social and psychometric results from units which employ strict admission criteria cannot apply to groups where there is no selective criteria.