Although alcoholism is a focus of public concern and scientific interest, knowledge of the long-term patterns of alcohol abuse is only fragmentary. Subjects in a four-year followup study were alcoholics initially treated at special alcoholism treatment centers funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. These centers were established to demonstrate the efficacy of a comprehensive, integrated, professionally organized treatment environment. Results indicate that alcoholism is a continuing condition for the majority of patients. Remissions, while frequent, are generally intermittent rather than stable and occur in two forms: long-term abstention and non-problem drinking. An examination of the alcoholic's life apart from drinking reveals only modest improvements in social adjustments; in this sample, social rehabilitation did not occur as frequently as remission. Alcohol dependence is a dimension of preeminent importance, and plays a significant role in the course of alcoholism. Further advances in prevention and treatment of alcoholism will require a better understanding of the processes underlying the patterns of remission and relapse. (Author/CS)