One hundred patients undergoing treatment for alcohol-related problems in Kuwait's only psychiatric hospital were studied. Eighty-three Kuwaitis and 17 non-Kuwaitis (78 inpatients and 22 outpatients) were compared on two variables, i.e. nationality and drinking category. Kuwaiti patients were more likely to be violent while drunk and to receive benzodiazepine prescriptions while non-Kuwaiti patients were better educated and suffered more alcohol withdrawal seizures. Heavy drinkers were prescribed more benzodiazepines. Light drinkers were involved in more road accidents and were more likely to be prescribed major tranquillizers. The relationship between benzodiazepines use and alcohol withdrawal symptoms is discussed and its implications in patient care in Kuwait are stressed.