Reviews literature on both alcoholism and controlled drinking approaches based on a multimodal viewpoint. Provides a combined perspective of humanistic and behavioral principles. Presents the issue of alcohol involvement from a stage phenomena point of view and suggests intervention steps to address life-problem, emotional, and behavioral aspects…

Research on therapeutic factors of group psychotherapy for adult alcoholics is reviewed. The research in this area has focused on determining whether or not group psychotherapy is an effective treatment modality for alcoholics. This review examines therapeutic factors in three phases of treatment: (1) preadmission, (2) primary intervention, and…

Studies show that the percentage of women in the United States who drink, has remained stable over the last several decades. However, patterns in female drinking have changed, indicating a trend toward higher rates of heavy/frequent drinking among young women. Negative attitudes toward female intoxication still prevail and a double standard…

The costs associated with alcohol abuse are staggering. Because of the pervasiveness of alcohol abuse, virtually every psychological practitioner will encounter it. This paper reviews literature about a number of common treatments for abusive drinkers. Specific treatment procedures are evaluated from both research and clinical perspectives.…

Reviews research concerning the usefulness of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory in identification of alcoholics' personality characteristics. Discusses scales, profile configurations, and item analyses. Finds no single personality type characteristic of all alcoholics, although six cluster types occur with consistency. Alcoholics…

This document reports on the relationship between alcohol abuse and battering. Several theories, e.g., the disinhibition, disavowal, and learned behavior theories concerning the relationship between alcohol abuse and family violence are discussed. Literature on the relationship between alcohol and family violence is reviewed. Five intervention and…

The 12 steps of the well-known mutual help group, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), begin with Step One, admitting powerlessness. Although Step One has helped many problem drinkers and other addicts, its spiritual concepts have been criticized. The possibility of reconceptualizing powerlessness as empowering, not only within AA and its offshoot programs,…

In the Northern Plains of the United States, 100% of Indian reservations are affected by alcohol related problems. Approximately 90% of Native American adults are currently alcohol users or abusers or are recovering from alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption has a devastating effect on the unborn. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is an irreversible birth…

Despite increases in the minimum legal drinking age, national studies show that 82 to 92 percent of college students consume alcohol, with about 20 percent considered as heavy drinkers. Students who drink may have particular needs for focused education or intervention, but all students can benefit from education regarding the full range of alcohol…

This document presents a conceptual framework within which to view variability in parental alcoholism and children's exposure to alcoholism. The framework considers both individual characteristics of the children and ecological factors. A review of relevant literature on stress, coping, and adaptation among children and adolescents examines the…

Describes contributions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to drug and alcohol treatment. Discusses potential for AA's steps to encourage growth, and examines their consistency with counseling philosophy. Proposes and contrasts 12 new steps based on counseling theory to stimulate constructive discussion. Advocates more solid boundaries between AA and…

Combining childhood roles and interpersonal theory produces a schematic model that includes all adult children of alcoholics, enhances understanding of the group dynamic, and suggests specific group treatment strategies. (Author)

Research on fetal alcohol syndrome is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the implications of the syndrome for the development of mental retardation and other handicapping conditions. Attention is given to historical aspects; epidemiology; physiological and behavioral characteristics; and concerns related to diagnosis, prevention, and…

Alcohol is the most widely used drug in the world and its use in the workplace can have serious consequences on safety, productivity, working relationships, and absenteeism. Some of the effects of alcohol consumption on the workplace, along with the types of responses that companies can make, are covered in this review. The text opens with a…

A 3-year follow-up study of alcohol prevention among 4,406 children showed that neither a comprehensive school curriculum nor a community intervention was successful in preventing adolescent drinking. Predictor variables for drinking are examined and the importance of tolerance and encouragement of drinking by adult role models are noted. (Author)