Problem drinkers (52 males, 38 females) recruited through advertisements were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: guidelines, three sessions of advice using a pamphlet outlining basic steps for achieving abstinence or moderate drinking; manual, three sessions of instruction in the use of a self-help manual presenting a step-by-step approach for attaining abstinence or moderate drinking; and therapist, six or more sessions of instruction in the methods outlined in the self-help manual. At 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up no significant differences were found among the groups in reduction of heavy drinking days. However, at the 1-year follow up, the number of heavy days were reduced from an average of 43 to 20 with females showing significantly greater reductions than males (74 percent versus 35 percent). Three months after treatment, the rate of successful moderate drinkers was significantly higher for females than males in the guidelines (60 percent versus 33 percent) and the manual condition (63 percent versus 18 percent), but not in the therapist condition (25 percent versus 35 percent). At 1-year follow-up, females were more successful generally than males in all conditions. Females thus derived more benefits from the treatments than males, particularly in the self-help conditions. 4 tables. 18 references. (Author abstract modified)