[Alcoholism and society: secondary and tertiary prevention by directly concerned persons].

Alcohol (especially wine) production and consumption is very much ingrained in the culture and behaviors in Switzerland, especially in the French speaking part. This makes the fate of people with an alcohol problem particularly difficult, as they have to face their addiction, and an attitude of society which is very tolerant for drinking but rather hostile to them. Giving up alcohol means tremendous loss for the drinker, in various ways. With objectives of secondary and especially tertiary prevention, a private association was created in the 1960's, offering to alcoholics opportunities for meeting, discussing their problems, playing. A country house is used for holding retreats. And a home, l'Esterelle, was opened in Vevey in 1966, to house abstinent alcoholics during the rehabilitation phase. Leadership role in these endeavours are assumed by former drinkers.