This paper describes patterns of alcohol consumption and associated problems in Brazil. Data came from a multicluster random sample of 2,346 Brazilians 18 years of age and older. The survey was conducted in 2005-2006 and had a response rate of 66.4%. About 35% of the men and 59% of the women did not drink in the past 12 months, while 39% of the men and 13% of the women consumed alcohol at least once a week. Further, 38% of the men and 17% of the women consumed 5 or more drinks "usually", and 40% of the men and 18% of the women reported binge drinking in the past 12 months. The prevalence of alcohol use disorders (DSM-4 abuse and/or dependence) was 19% among men and 4% among women. Although abstinence in Brazil is relatively high, binge drinking is frequent and, thus, alcohol problems and alcohol use disorders are also frequent.