Two local communities were selected for the study: Mokotow, a district of Warsaw with 400,000 inhabitants; and the Sianow commune of 12,000 inhabitants in northwest Poland. The first stage of the study consisted of a pilot survey of 322 respondents in the two communities using a community response questionnaire. The next stage consisted of interviewing people aged 18 years or over in both communities, including workers from agencies that deal with alcohol problems. Interviews were completed with 861 persons in Mokotow and 499 in Sianow. The percentage abstaining from alcohol during the 12 months prior to the interview was 13 percent in Mokotow and 22 percent in Sianow. Motives for drinking and abstaining did not differ much between the two communities, although the view that drinking is a good way to celebrate was more prevalent in Sianow. Personal problems were more prevalent among males than females. The presence of illegal alcohol outlets was perceived to be the most important problem. Many agency interviewees favored the reintroduction of compulsory treatment for alcohol-dependent persons. Lessons learned from the survey process are discussed. 1 table