Asserts that the study of human behavior is the study of social interaction. Describes a theoretical perspective from sociology and shows how it relates to the alcoholic family. Analyzes the dynamics within a family affected by alcoholism to examine who has the power, who maintains control, how one loses power, and how power is exhibited. (NB)

Assesses the availability of data on drinking practices and behavior of Black Americans. Reports that reliable information based on empirical investigations is unavailable and that books and booklets pertaining to this subject matter are practically nonexistent. (Author/ABB)

Assesses changes in student knowledge of and patterns related to drinking. Using data collected from college students visiting Daytona Beach, Florida, during spring break, found that trends toward increased consumption of alcoholic beverages among college students which occurred prior to 1981 have now stabilized and are beginning to reverse…

Evaluated a sample of 31 residents in an alcohol halfway house upon admission and after a duration of time. Results showed that the poor outcome group was younger, had a multiple drug history, tended to drink with others, and had greater number of blackouts while drinking. (LLL)

Presents a general model for burnout workshops for alcoholism counselors, designed to involve counselors in a sequence of activities for coping adaptively. Data concerning the level and symptoms of burnout among counselors are provided. Suggestions for planning and leading a workshop are discussed. (JAC)

This study was conducted to learn how Alaskans perceive alcohol and alcoholism. Findings indicate that differences in attitudes toward and knowledge of alcohol are related to both urban/rural and native/nonnative differences. Implications of findings are discussed with respect to alcohol education programs. (Author)

Searched articles (n=387) in German magazines with highest circulation rates for attitudes about alcoholism. In 55 percent of articles, alcohol dependence was described as illness, but only 4 percent included definitions of condition. Found articles about alcohol dependence were so simplified reader could mistake condition as being self-inflicted…

Examined client perception of closeness to treatment peers in 200 male adult alcoholics in residential alcoholism treatment program. Found that client-perceived belongingness or fellowship was important factor in successful treatment outcome. Clients with an isolate perception stood much greater chance of early termination of treatment and much…

Measured self-esteem in 61 Vermont alcoholics using the Cornell Index and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results indicated depression is an intervening variable between self-esteem and alcoholism. A theoretical model describing the relationship of residence, occupation, income, self-esteem, and depression to alcoholism is presented. (JAC)

Administered questionnaires defining alcohol practices and reasons for alcohol use to 300 secondary school students in a rural area of Nigeria. Results showed that 71 percent of the students use alcohol. The use and abuse of alcohol among the students was more for social than for psychological reasons. (LLL)

Discusses an intervention technique that can be used in working with alcoholics and drug abusers who deny the need for help. The intervention focuses on the family, providing them with drug education and improved communication skills. Defusion, reframing, and positive data are used. The counselor's role is described. (JAC)

Examined the relationship between personality traits and impairment experiences of 80 males who completed the California Psychological Inventory and an impairment scale. Results showed significant differences between the personality scores of impaired and unimpaired problem drinkers, suggesting that impairment aspects differ both in nature and…

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenders (N=151) identified as alcoholics were coerced to seek treatment for their alcoholism. A follow-up study six months later revealed that these coerced alcoholics did no better or no worse than other alcoholics entering treatment without coercion. (Author/RC)

Discusses effective family position as a new variable developed to measure the effect of birth order and childhood home environment on the likelihood of becoming an alcoholic. Constructs of fixation and regression may also be helpful in differentiating two types of alcoholism. (JAC)

Data from past studies on adolescent alcohol misuse and family structure of adult alcoholics formulate a picture of family environment which contains high levels of anxiety, maintenance of the problematic behavior by the family, parental modeling of inappropriate alcohol use, and lax parental control. (Author)