Comments on extending the parameters of the subject of social thought on alcoholism. Maintains that this subject is a vast intellectual, professional, and societal terrain. Suggests use of appropriate, sophisticated, comprehensive research methodologies with which to understand the issue of alcohol and alcoholism in society. (PVV)

Alcoholism research paradigms that use substantial cash incentives to attract participants and that call for alcoholics to consume ethanol in laboratory raise ethical questions. When using such methods, investigators should be obligated to discuss risk-benefit rationales and detail precautionary behaviors to protect participants. Discussion of…

Discusses the use of poetry as a therapeutic means of breaking silence with survivors of an alcoholic household. Examines some of the author's own poetry as descent images and links ancient myth to the journey of contemporary women. (SR)

Contends that comprehensive discussion of women's alcoholism must include understanding of how male-as-norm bias has affected alcoholism research, assessment, and treatment. Summarizes how male-as-norm bias has affected research on women's alcoholism and shaped perceptions of women's alcoholic behavior and their responses to treatment. (Author/NB)

Examined prevalence of alcoholism and drug abuse in 206 female Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients enrolled in welfare-to-work program. Findings support clinical reports of substance abuse problems among public assistance and child welfare populations. Prevalence of alcoholism and drug abuse in sample ranged from 16.1-20.8%.…

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to quantify the relationship between the Five-Factor Model of personality and alcohol involvement and to identify moderators of the relationship. The meta-analysis included 20 studies, 119 effect sizes, and 7,886 participants. Possible moderators examined included: five-factor rating type (self vs. other);…

Psychosocial adjustment in children of alcoholics (COAs; N = 125) was examined before and at 3 follow-ups in the 15 months after their fathers entered alcoholism treatment. Before their fathers' treatment, COAs exhibited greater overall and clinical-level symptomatology than children from the demographically matched comparison sample, but they…

Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the magnitude of relationships between polymorphisms in 2 genes, ALDH2 and ADH1B, with alcohol dependence in Asians. For each gene, possession of 1 variant [asterisk]2 allele was protective against alcohol dependence, and possession of a 2nd [asterisk]2 allele did not offer significant additional…

Measurement and interpretation of alcohol use self-reports is characterized by a general lack of consensus. This study represents an effort to clarify what constitutes alcohol misuse among U.S. youth. A self-administered questionnaire eliciting opinions about cut-off point for alcohol misuse was mailed to 10 experts (7 men, 3 women) in alcohol…

The relationship between substance abuse and suicide is indicated by high rate of attempted suicide among alcoholics and drug abusers, as well as increased likelihood of repeated attempts in these populations. This study reports on psychological characteristics of male drug suicide attempters who are in treatment for their addiction problem.…

Discusses the problems of relapse with alcoholics and other drug abusers from three perspectives: client-related variables, common erroneous beliefs and myths held by professionals regarding relapse, and treatment system problems that may contribute to relapse. Offers proposed solutions and describes a relapse prevention model. (Author/ABB)

Notes that in America, knowledge base concerning alcoholism is concentrated on drinking patterns of Whites, and that Black Americans often differ in their drinking behavior, resulting in a need to clarify issues regarding alcoholism and Blacks. Provides theoretical information useful in better discerning drinking behavior of Blacks. (Author/NB)

Provides an overview of the National Health Interview Survey and describes its potential in health promotion and disease prevention. Reports findings on smoking, alcohol consumption, and weight gain between 1983 and 1985. (RB)

Discusses children of alcoholics as victims of fetal alcohol syndrome, family violence, retarded social development, and severe emotional scars. These children bring family roles to school that allow survival in the alcoholic home but are dysfunctional outside it. Educators can take certain steps to address these students' problems. Includes six…

Assessed degree of alcohol aversion in 60 alcoholics who received emetic alcohol-aversion therapy. Results revealed changes in response to alcoholic, but not to nonalcoholic, flavors, including decreased consumption in taste tests, more negative flavor ratings, overt behavioral indicants of aversion and increased tachycardiac response. (Author/NB)