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 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…

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…

Discusses theory of stimulus addiction, a process of human accommodation to stimuli which fosters dependency and may foster addiction. Suggests that a society of affluence may be prone to addictiveness because the more continuous the stimuli the person experiences, the more tolerance is created, and with tolerance comes stimulus deprivation.…

Develops a theoretical rationale in support of the concept of "fellowship," the healing cornerstone of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Reviews supporting literature from the areas of personality theory, group psychotherapy, alcoholism psychopathology, and alcoholism psychological treatment. Suggests a common premise and common ground of agreement for…

Compared impact of recovering alcoholic counselor and the nonalcoholic counselor on alcoholic clients' (n=200) level of "fellowship" or client perceived "belongingness" with treatment peers, as well as on length of stay in program and relapse rate in a residential treatment setting. Results indicated a counselor's recovering status did not seem to…

Presents clinical treatise describing and discussing psychological profile of alcoholic police officer also suffering from combat posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Professional role immersion also is discussed as an additional complication to the already complex treatment profile. Notes that three "layers" of complication (CPTSD, alcoholism,…

Describes the emotional impact of the internalized corporate image on the recovering alcoholic corporate executive. Cautions organizations to realize that alcoholics in early recovery may react to their work and career responsibilities excessively and completely. Suggests that supervisors need training workshops in understanding alcoholism and…