Alcoholic and nonalcoholic psychiatric patients were compared on self-reported assertiveness and behavioral assertiveness. In addition, the relationship between the assertiveness of alcoholics and their alcohol drinking behavior was assessed. Results indicated that, while alcoholics reported themselves to be more assertive than nonalcoholics, both groups were equally nonassertive on behavioral tests measuring negative assertion (expression of anger or irritation). However, alcoholics performed significantly better than nonalcoholics on positive assertiveness (expression of positive feelings or complimentary remarks). A negative correlation was found between negative assertiveness and alcohol consumption.