Aim. To find a correlation between PAX-6 promoter polymorphism and other parameters pertaining to addictions like e.g. manner of drinking, proneness to faster cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. Material and method. In a group of 68 alcohol dependent subjects the history of alcohol dependence was assessed using a composite interview, PAX-6 gene promoter polymorphism was studied, and the occurrence of the processes of cerebral and cerebellar atrophy was evaluated using a CT scan. Results. A negative correlation between the quantity of (AC)m (AG)n repeats in PAX-6 gene promoter B and the cerebral and cerebellar atrophy was found. The occurrence of atrophy was correlated with a decrease in alcohol tolerance and the presence of withdrawal symptoms complicated by alcohol delirium. Conclusions. Genetic factors, especially a polymorphism in the region of PAX-6 gene promoter B, can be considered as one of the essential causes of a tendency of brain atrophy in patients with alcohol dependence. Brain atrophies lead to complicated deep withdrawal syndromes and are related to a decreased alcohol tolerance.