Lipid metabolism was examined in patients who are registered in our Outpatient c1inic for the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug addicts because of the health and social problems caused by alcohol abuse. Examination results a re presented in this article: 1) More than 69% of patients had increased total cholesterol levels, it means among 5.3 – 8.65 mmol/L. 2) Increased HDL cholesterol levels 2.01 – 3.13 mmol/L had 27,78% of patients, but it was connected with the increase of total cholesterol in 20.37 % of patients. Only 7.41 % of patients had HDL hypercholesterolaemia without total cholesterol increase. 3) Most of the patients had normal levels of triacylglycerol, it means 49.13% of patients and the normal levels of LDL cholesterol were present in 59.60% of patients. 4) Degree of atherosclerosis danger was normal in 73.17% of male patients and in 69.23% of female patients. Presented results eliminate alcohol protective influence on atherosclerosis.

Key words: alcohol – hypercholesterolaemia – atherosclerosis