In a randomized controlled trial, patients recruited in general practices and fulfilling criteria for alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, at-risk drinking or binge drinking will be allocated to three conditions: (1) Stepped Care intervention (SC): up to 4 interventions depending on the success of the previous intervention (assessed by alcohol consumption and self-efficacy) which start with a minimal intervention (written feedback and manuals) and are followed by more intensive interventions (counseling) in case of no success, (2) Fixed Care intervention (FC): A fixed number of counseling sessions plus written feedback and manuals, and (3) a control group (CG) booklet on health behavior. Outcome assessment will be conducted in all three groups after 12 months. The hypothesis is that SC and FC do not differ in effectiveness but SC is more economic.