The paper presents reduced-risk drinking (RRD) concept as a valid primary goal of treatment of alcohol dependence.In patients refusing or failing to reach full abstinence it may offer a more feasible goal focused on harm reduction and increasing treatment adherence rates, instead of achievement of control over symptoms of dependence itself. In relation to the goal of full abstinence it is both complementary, and intermediate, rather than mutually exclusive. In diseases with exponential dose-risk curves (cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, injuries), the effect of reducing consumption is increasing with the average daily dose of alcohol. Therefore, it is suitable notably at high risk consumption levels (men over 60 grams, women over 40 grams of pure ethanol per day).

Key words: alcohol – dependence – drinking reduction