Suggests that self-efficacy in relation to one's addiction is a factor in sustained sobriety, and explores implications for counseling. Treatment strategies that improve clients' coping skills, develop their sense of personal control, and enhance perceptions of self-efficacy reduce the risk of alcoholic relapses. (JAC)

Alcoholics received cue exposure and urge coping skills training (CET, n=22) or contrast condition involving daily contact with assessment (n=18) in addition to standard treatment. After treatment, CET group included more patients who were abstinent, had higher percentage of abstinent days, and tended to report fewer drinks per day than did…

Assigned 96 inpatients in alcoholism treatment to aftercare group treatment with either coping skills training or interactional therapy. Survival analyses using two-year outcome data provided evidence for durability of matching interaction effects. Individuals scoring high on sociopathy or global psychopathology had better outcomes in coping…

Attachment, separation, and loss are critical life events for many young children. This article discusses prevalent factors of separation and loss and their potential harmful effects on development. Also, books and resources geared for children are suggested to help early childhood professionals facilitate resolution with affected children and…

While some children may experience negative consequences as the result of growing up with an alcoholic parent, the majority will never develop any difficulties. This article examines how adolescent children of alcoholics can be supported by using positive, strengths-based approaches which focus on existing skills and abilities, rather than…

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,…

Presents unilateral family therapy in which intervention is directed toward changing the behavior of an uncooperative family member through working with a cooperative member as mediator. Applies the approach to the problem of endeavoring to reach and change an uncooperative alcohol abuser. (Author)

Randomly assigned 96 persons from inpatient alcoholism treatment program to aftercare group treatment consisting of either coping skills training or interactional therapy. Found that coping skills training was more effective for subjects higher in sociopathy or psychopathology; interactional therapy was more effective for subjects lower in…

Provides a conceptual framework for discussing the role of alcohol in a person's life and for planning appropriate interventions when abuse is evidenced. Discusses drive reduction and the dynamic of alcohol involvement through four involvement stages. (Author/RC)

This practicum in an elementary school attempted to provide adaptive strategies to children of alcoholic parents so that they would be able to cope effectively with their family problems. It also attempted to develop self-esteem in these children and to help them to recognize their strengths. Biweekly counseling sessions were designed to teach…

Outlines a small group model that provides elementary school counselors with a creative way to help children of alcoholics build resiliency and develop protective strategies. Emphasizes the importance of the school counselor in taking a proactive approach and reaching out to help children develop the skills needed to survive an alcoholic home.…

Approximately one in four children in the United States is exposed to alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence in the family. Countless other children are living in families in which there is illicit drug abuse. Growing evidence suggests that genetics and environmental factors can predispose children of substance abusing parents to behavioral problems…

We received 38 controlled studies of marital and family therapy (MFT) in alcoholism treatment. We conclude that, when the alcoholic is unwilling to seek help, MFT is effective in helping the family cope better and motivating alcoholics to enter treatment. Specifically, (a) Al-Anon facilitation and referral help family members cope better; (b)…