Due to the fact that controlled drinking is now an established treatment goal in the treatment of alcohol dependence, it is appropriate that attention should turn to the study of where and with whom such a drinking goal is proper. One hundred and twenty five participants with a primary diagnosis of mild to moderate alcohol dependence were recruited for a randomized controlled trial of Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) in alcohol dependence. Selection of drinking goal was examined at baseline, post-treatment, and 6 months follow-up. Drinking goal was identified as abstinence or controlled drinking, with the latter group being asked to further specify per session and per week drinking limits. Group comparisons for drinking goal post-treatment showed those who were not assigned motivational enhancement therapy had more drinking days and lower scores on the Alcohol Problems Questionnaire and Internal Motivation, and were more likely to choose controlled drinking. The only variable to predict independently whether or not the controlled drinking goal was within the promoted drinking guidelines was age, with younger participants more likely to choose a goal above this limit. Goal selection was significantly related to drinking outcome, with those aiming to drink within guidelines having better outcome than those aiming for higher limits. This is significant because it shows that choice of drinking goal for controlled drinkers is an important indicator of outcome, with that choice in turn being predicted by patient age. This suggests that future efforts to improve outpatient treatment for such populations should take into account the different drinking preferences of younger versus older patients. Tables, references