Beginning in 1963, concerned people in the city of Baltimore began to hold workshops and seminars dealing with the problems of alcoholism. Their main emphasis was on an educational program which would make accurate information about alcoholism and its treatment available to the general public. This led to a National Institute of Mental Health grant to develop an intensive program for training of non-professional persons interested in becoming alcoholism counselors in the various settings throughout the community where this problem is encountered. This handbook is a compilation of lectures and experiences designed to help such non-professional counselors; much of the information it contains would also be useful for trained professionals. In addition to extensive background information about causes, symptoms, methods of treatment, and resources, there are special sections on the family, the clergy, the law, industry, and teenagers. The handbook considers both alcohol as a "thing" and alcoholism as a process, related to family and community. (Author/BP)