ABSTRACT:This study was an attempt to evaluate the effects of a controlled alcohol intake on the socialization of a group of geropsychiatric patients in a clinical setting. Although 47 patients of the Geriatric Unit were involved at various times, 16 remained in the study for the entire eight weeks. The Social Hour consisted of a half‐hour session every weekday. The alcohol served was whisky, gin, vodka, and wine. Soft drinks were available for those who preferred them. Each patient was rated on a 5‐point scale with regard to ward and off‐ward activities. A planned four‐week placebo period met with so much negativism that it had to be shortened to three days. According to our observations, the socialization process was increased significantly for these mentally ill geriatric patients during this type of Soci