For years, Philippe Batel has been seeing patients with alcohol dependence every day who want to “get clean.” For him, the relationship with alcohol can be compared to a love affair. He observes a form of denial regarding alcohol on the part of society, the patients themselves, and even healthcare providers. Taking the patient’s life story into account, support, and dialogue are the cornerstones of any treatment plan for this specialist, who praises the remarkable work carried out by self-help groups. This analysis is compiled in a book he has just published.