The purpose of this study is to investigate how behavioral treatments for alcohol use disorders affect behavior change.

Inclusion Criteria: Study inclusion criteria are such that study participants must:

1. meet a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV) alcohol abuse or dependence diagnosis based on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule - IV (DIS-IV);
2. consume a weekly average of at least 24 standard drinks during the baseline period to include at least 5 episodes of heavy drinking;
3. agree not to seek additional alcohol or other substance abuse treatment during the study period;
4. be at least 18 years of age; and
5. be sufficiently proficient in their English speaking ability to interact effectively with the research interviewer.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals assessed as having a drug diagnosis that is more severe than their alcohol diagnosis (e.g., cocaine dependence and alcohol abuse, IV drug use),
• a serious psychiatric diagnosis (e.g., uncontrolled schizophrenia or major depression) as well as those meeting criteria for organic brain impairment, as measured by the mini-mental status examination section of the DIS-IV will be precluded from study participation.

In addition,

• individuals reporting current enrollment in a substance abuse treatment program,
• mandated to substance abuse treatment by a court order, or
• severely socially unstable (e.g., homeless) also will be precluded from study participation.