Aim: Early detection of alcohol problems at work. Alcohol problems at work are frequently associated with absentism, loss of efficiency, accidents and chronic diseases. Methods: This report is about an alcohol initiative carried out by the physician for occupational medicine of a national research centre with 1800 employees. A no alcohol environment was created by the intensive exchange of information and structural changes. The doctor's work in the centre focussed on the systematic detection of alcohol problems and possible intervention with the aim of creating an understanding for the disease and achieving abstinence to safeguard employment. Results: As a result of this initiative, 25 of 31 alco-holics managed to stay abstinent for many years.The remaining six stayed dry at work at least until retirement. All were able to keep their jobs. Conclusions: Detection of alcohol problems and subsequent intervention is an urgent task for occupational medicine, as the pressure created by suffering, which is necessary to become aware of the disease, can be best exerted at work.