Evidence grows that Korsakoff's psychosis and alcoholic dementia are parts of one disorder and that thiamine deficiency has a role.The neuronal basis of withdrawal hyperexcitability is being specified but evidence for kindling is still limited. Support grows for a role of endogenous opioids in the explanation of alcohol dependence. Fascinating animal models of Type II alcoholism suggest that serotonergic deficiency contributes but this has yet to lead to convincing treatments.