As the first phase of a project designed to institute controlled drinking as a therapeutic goal for alcoholics, it was decided to recruit volunteers who were dissatisfied with their present mode of drinking but who had not previously sought help. This was done by requesting them to phone a private number. When these volunteers had been recruited it was proposed to modify their drinking habits to their own requirements, using non-averse training, drinking practice and ongoing group psychotherapy. This project however has not been implemented because of a paucity of volunteers. The methods of recruitment are listed and those drinkers who volunteered are described. The reasons for the low rate of response are discussed.