Some data on alcoholism occurrence in there sanatoria of S. Paulo (Brazil) were studied in order to realize a research on primary prevention. Some variables (age, sex and environmental factors) that could make us come to the characterization of a "population at special risk" of becoming alcohol addicts, were reached. Some etiological hypothesis were also presented, that lead us, by means of a vague outline of a natural history of etilism, to measures of "specific protection", directed at preventing the incidence of alcoholism in all more susceptible people.
Alcoholism; Prevention; Population, urban; Etiology; Mental health
