Sociodemographic data (age and sex and socioeconomic status) and clinical data (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipemia, obesity, psychiatric diseases, clinical risk groups and diagnosis wholly attributable and partly attributable to alcohol) were obtained from the central register (Morbidity Register) provided by the Catalan Health service. From the same register data on health service utilization was collected. These indicators include: the number and costs of outpatients visits from doctor, nurse and social worker in primary health centres; hospital admissions, emergency room visits, mental health outpatients visits, and specialists referrals. Data on acute and chronic hospitalizations were analysed using three indicators: costs, number of admissions and hospital days, defined as the number of days stayed in any hospital. Three types of hospitals were included in the administrative system: general (acute) hospital, rehabilitation hospital and psychiatric hospital. The patient's diagnosis at admission was also registered. Using the same categories as Jones and colleagues, we distinguished between entry diagnosis wholly attributable to alcohol (e.g., alcohol dependence or alcoholic liver cirrhosis), entry diagnosis partly attributable (acute and chronic), or not related to alcohol. Also information about medication expenses and seak-leave costs were included.