Objective Using the information - motivation - behavior model (IMB) to intervene with the alcohol dependence patients and provide a new strategy for implementing health education. Methods Eighty-nine patients with alcohol dependence, who clinically recovered or improved after the discharge, were randomly divided into a research group and a control group. Both groups received routine health education, rehabilitation guidance and a follow-up call. The research group implemented additional IMB health education. The implementation effect on alcohol dependence scale (ADS), Michigan alcoholism screening test (MAST), and alcohol dependence prevention and treatment knowledge (self-designed questionnaire) of the two groups before and after intervention was analyzed. Results The relapse rate of the research group was lower than that the control group, which was statistically significant (P＜0.05). MAST scale and ADS scale in the research group were lower than those in the control group within 3 months and 6 months after the discharge, which was significant (P values of both scales ＜0.05). After the 6-month follow-up, the knowledge of alcohol dependence patients in the research group and their families was significantly higher than that in the control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion IMB health education implementation for alcohol dependence patients significantly reduced the relapse rate, decreased physical and psychological dependence, and improved the ability of patients to prevent and control alcohol dependence.