In this commentary, we critically review the contribution of the sociologist Erving Goffman (1922-1982) to understanding recovery from problem drug use. Previous research has indicated that drug users have a "spoiled identity" and must restore a "normal" or "unspoiled" identity in order to recover. This argument has been linked to Goffman's…

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)

This article presents an interview with Frank Miller, a renowned addictions assessment authority who jointly initiated the updated Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) versions and helped establish the inventories in the addictions assessment mainstream. Among other things, Miller describes how he began working at the SASSI Institute…

A survey of drug treatment suggested conflict exists about how drug treatment should be conducted. A case was made for paradigms of treatment as a guide for progress in treatment for addicts. A theoretical paradigm which tried to relate family therapy to the relief of self-esteem distress is discussed. (Author/ABL)

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is investigated as a subculture of recovery bridging the drug subculture and the prevailing culture. A phenomenological study of NA in Israel is reported. Innovation, cultural conflict, the value of recovery and its norms, supporting social mechanisms, limitations of the program, and intercultural attributes are…

Illustrates the stimulus addiction chain experienced by a substance addicted person and recommends that substance abuse treatment agencies provide low-stimulus activity by controlling their use of high-stimulus structure and high-level recreational stimulus producers. Suggests quiet activities to help regulate stimulus and reinforce reflectiveness…

Discusses adolescent substance abuse as a manifestation of social deviance. Reviews theories of adolescent deviance in light of their contributions to understanding troubled youth. Develops a youth assessment framework to provide a systematic means of linking theories to specific treatment strategies. (CMG)

Describes substance abuse counseling. Includes information on types of treatment, various programs, and education and training. (JOW)

"Voices of Youth" section presents discussion with young people in a Duluth, Minnesota, treatment facility for adolescents with alcohol and behavioral problems. Adolescents discuss when they first tried alcohol, what they had to give up because of drinking, how their behavior changed, how they decided to get help, and how helpful treatment…

Analyzes Oetting and Beauvais's article on Peer Cluster Theory and drug use, agreeing with their focus on the role of the individual, the environment, and experience with use of a substance, but disagreeing with the notion of physical dependence. Advocates that society give children the competencies, values, and opportunities to find superior…

States that, although sociologists have made contributions to the drug abuse research literature, they have been absent in the formulation of drug policy. Argues that sociologists should take a pragmatic approach, using the tools of their science within the context of existing policy, to reduce drug abuse and thereby limit the need for punitive…

Having witnessed drug use, idleness, and dangerous driving, a parent urges school officials to encourage neighborhood vigilance, follow up on leads, use dogs to sniff out drugs, suspend hard cases, expose second offenders to drug victims in local hospitals, and provide students with positive role models and career goals. (PB)

Describes Alcoholics Anonymous as an effective self-help treatment modality for many alcoholics. Notes that organization would seem to initially necessitate "tolerated unhealthiness" psychologically to help consolidate sobriety, suggesting abstinence first, psychological healthiness second regimen. Suggests that psychotherapists learn to…

Illustrates the relationship between art therapy, spirituality, and recovery supported by the philosophy of Alcoholic Anonymous, and offers a model in which art therapy can be used in treatment programs to facilitate spiritual recovery from addiction. Discusses personal experiences related to the use of art therapy for assisting in addiction…

Argues that legalization is not the solution to drug-related problems. Proposes increased emphasis on the small retailers of drugs, and mandatory urinalysis for heroin, cocaine, and PCP for those arrested for typical drug-related crimes. (FMW)