Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective modality for the treatment of alcoholism. Given widespread interest in incorporating spirituality into professional treatment, this article orients practitioners to spiritually modified CBT, an approach that may enhance outcomes with some spiritually motivated clients. More specifically, by…

Examined women (N=20) who were receiving alcoholism treatment in the skid-row area of Portland, Oregon. Women had histories of problem drinking and extensive treatment for alcoholism. Most had been married and had children. Despite transiency, the majority maintained contact with friends and relatives. Compared these women to New York City'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)

Proposes modifications of Problem Centered Systems Therapy (PCST)--a practice model for assessment and treatment--that addresses bicultural counseling with black families in general and black alcoholic families in particular. Defines culturally sensitive concepts considered important to treatment and integrates the identified concepts in…

Explores the widespread avoidance of the identification and treatment of alcoholism by the social work profession. Examines the underlying causes of this avoidance and suggests guidelines to overcome the organizational and the professional barriers that have kept alcoholics from seeking social work treatment. (Author/JAC)

Alcoholism is a widespread but neglected problem in the lesbian community. The myths and realities of lesbian experience are described and suggested treatment strategies that address the special problems and needs of lesbian alcoholics are given. The literature is reviewed and the need to overcome homophobia among social workers and in agencies is…

Describes study of representative case findings (N=100) in four social work programs which did not have in-house substance abuse treatment for indications whether the social worker had recognized substance abuse as a problem for the client or had made a referral for treatment. Findings suggest many clients were substance abusers, but few were…

SHARP is a hospital-based, self-help program for treating alcoholic veterans, which involves them in assuming major roles in governing the program and in helping one another. Because follow-up support is essential to maintaining sobriety, SHARP created an active social support system in the community. (Author)

Addresses common critiques of Alcoholics Anonymous by offering a way of understanding it as a "normative narrative community" where identity transformation takes place through the use of metaphor and storytelling. Suggests alternative meanings of key metaphors, describes areas of program strength and potential barriers for social…

Suggests that in dealing with problem drinkers at the workplace, industrial social workers must consider organizational and group variables that contribute to a "culture of drinking," which fosters and sanctions the use of alcohol. Suggests interventions that promote a "culture of sobriety." (Author)

Addresses alcoholism from a psychocultural perspective, examining social policies that have contributed to the marginality of Native Americans and to the stereotype of the "drunken Indian." As Native Americans have been forced to modify their tribal ways, more members are pushed into the fringes of their traditional culture. (Author/BEF)

Surveyed Family Service America member agencies to assess impact of impetus to look to private sector for provision of services. Found that family service agencies experienced tremendous growth in 1980s in both client caseloads and areas of service provision. Family service agency client was likely to be minority person seeking counseling within…

Studied 89 clients in case management program, most of whom were identified as heavy users of acute care and psychiatric emergency rooms. Findings revealed that 50% were adult children of alcoholics and that many had been sexually and physically abused as children or adults. None had been asked about or appropriately treated for these aspects of…

Studies indicate men and women do not experience alcoholism in the same way, and female alcoholics are largely overlooked in planning treatment and evaluating its outcome. Neglect is compounded by sexist therapy. A review of the literature documents these points and suggests improvements in the treatment of alcoholic women. (Author)