Research that highlight's some important issues surrounding the role alcohol plays in society, perceptions of what constitutes problem drinking and awareness of and attitudes towards services. It also explores perceptions of 'what works'. A problem for policy-makers is the questionable compatibility of strategies to, on the one hand, stress that ‘getting legless’ is not normal or socially acceptable, while on the other, trying to reduce stigmatisation associated with alcohol problems so as to encourage people to seek help through services.