Following the finding that 63 percent of 200 consecutive admissions to the institution reported being drunk when committing their current offense, the sample was divided into 4 groups according to estimated dependence on alcohol. A total of 14.5 percent showed evidence of physical dependence, 12.5 percent of psychological dependence, and 36 percent of prodromal signs of dependence. The study found many significant relationships between alcohol dependency and other relevant variables, including a tendency for dependent individuals to have more previous convictions overall and to be wine rather than beer-only drinkers. Subjects reporting dependence symptoms were older, started drinking at an earlier age, and were younger when first drunk than subjects reporting no symptoms. There was also a significant tendency for physically dependent respondents to accept total abstinence in favor of controlled drinking. Implications of the findings for educational and treatment policy are discussed. Tables and 11 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)