This article describes attitudes and behaviors common to all alcoholics and some of the symptoms most frequently associated with the teenage alcoholic. (Author)

The Gestalt concept of self-responsibility is the acknowledgement by the individual that he/she is the author of all behavior. The behavior of the alcoholic is contrasted with the self-responsible individual. Clinical application of Gestalt therapy techniques to alcoholism is demonstrated and discussed with case illustrations. (Author)

Analyzes usage of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs during two recent television seasons. Alcohol predominated, accounting for more than two-thirds of all coded substance acts. More than two acts of alcohol use were found per hour in each season. The middle class and comic characters did the heavier drinking. (Author/BEF)

Investigated personality and family-of-origin differences in male and female alcoholics. Results, based on medical records (N=204) of patients admitted to a residential chemical dependency center indicate that, regarding personality disturbances, men were healthier than women. More women had psychiatric treatment, were married to an alcoholic, or…

Assessed potential differences between female undergraduate children of alcoholics (n=27) and children of nonalcoholics (n=76) in depression and choice of coping strategies. Although significant group differences were detected for level of depression, mean depression scores for both groups fell within the "no depression" range on the…

Several inconsistencies in literature on adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) were found. This paper emphasizes that clinicians and those developing prevention programs should stop believing that certain characteristics are typical of all ACOAs. It makes recommendations for factors to be considered in programs for African American collegiate…

A former inmate traces his journey from prison student to prison program director and researcher. He describes how postsecondary education in prison changed his ideas and outlook. (SK)

Examines relationships among levels of depression and parentification in undergraduate students. Children of workaholics scored significantly higher on measures of depression and parentification. Children of alcoholics scored significantly higher than the comparison group on the measure of parentification. (Contains 56 references and 2 tables.)…

Uses the Big Five personality factors as a framework for examining the expected personality characteristics of individuals who are alcohol-dependent. Results help explain prior findings about the social handicap of problem drinking with regard to making friends, dating, marriage, and working. Findings have potential use in alcohol-problem…

Among 120 Cherokees and Cheyennes tested with Levenson's multidimensional locus of control scale, Cheyenne male alcoholics scored significantly lower on the internal scale than Cheyenne male nonalcoholics, and Cherokee female alcoholics scored significantly higher on the external scale than Cherokee female nonalcoholics. Contains 16 references.…

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…

Investigated beliefs of male college students (N=55) regarding drinking behavior, alcohol, and alcoholism. Results indicated differential agreement with various belief statements. Subjects' responses appeared to fall into two distinct belief patterns: hedonistic and helpless beliefs. These patterns have significance in the development and…

Administered parental attitude questionnaire to alcoholic and nonalcoholic male veterans. Found significant differences between groups on six scales (Encouraging Verbalization, Avoiding Harsh Punishment, Encouraging Emotional Expression, Irresponsibility of Father, Inconsiderateness of Wife, and Tolerating Aggression). Found no significant…

Undergraduate adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) (n=57) were compared with children of nonalcoholic parents (n=100) on depression, self-esteem, and attributional style. ACOAs were found to have higher depression scores and lower self-esteem and were more likely to have a depressive attributional style. (SLD)

Describes employee assistance model in which cost-effective, high-quality treatment can be offered for a complex range of alcohol-related problems. Notes that this system of care allows the employee to be treated in the least restrictive therapeutic environment, thus encouraging continued productivity at work. (Author/NB)