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)

Compared 59 adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and 175 adult children of nonalcoholics (non-ACOAs) on self-concept, anxiety, and their knowledge of ACOA issues. Found no significant differences on self-concept and knowledge of ACOA issues. Significant differences were found on levels of anxiety, such that ACOAs had higher anxiety levels than did…

Discussion of the book review process focuses on a study that evaluated the efficacy of major journal reviews as a selection tool for books for adult children of alcoholics. Highlights include selection strategies for books not reviewed by major media; multiple reviews; small press books; and recommendations for strengthening review media. (12…

Studies of families, twins, and adoptees support a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. Alcohol metabolism may affect the regulation of alcohol intake, because interference with production or elimination of the alcohol metabolite acetaldehyde has behavioral effects. Ongoing research is examining individual and tribal differences in alcohol…

Examines the usefulness of two information-processing tools in solving personal problems--schematic maps and peer feedback--using 95 college students. Assessment consisted of analyzing and generating alternatives to a scenario involving a student with a drinking problem. Results indicate that alternative generation is susceptible to experimental…

Reviews ethical and practical dilemmas associated with clients who have hidden alcohol dependencies, and proposes an approach rooted in Gestalt counseling theory which confronts these issues and is compatible with a current emerging alcohol-treatment model. Suggests specific activities for addressing client resistance to revealing a hidden alcohol…

Examines family roles in college undergraduates (N=748). Comparing role identification found no differences between children of alcoholics (ACOA) and non-ACOAs. Differences were found in participants from dysfunctional families. Results suggest a need for clinicians to re-think the use of role conceptualization in therapeutic work with ACOAs, with…

Special issues faced by chemically dependent women are reviewed. Self-in-Relation Theory, a model of psychological development for women, is discussed; the approach of Women for Sobriety is presented. When these two approaches are related, an alternative way of understanding and supporting chemically dependent women in recovery is provided. (EMK)

These comments represent a response to J. R. Culbreth and L. D. Borders (1999) and suggest consideration of other factors when addressing the impact of clinical supervision in the addictions field. This article supports formal graduate academic preparation for substance abuse counselors and clinical supervisors and challenges the use of…

The relationship between optimism, abstinence self-efficacy, and self-mastery was examined by investigating levels of these cognitive resources among two samples of recovering substance abusers: Oxford House residents who attended twelve-step groups and twelve-step members who had never lived in an Oxford House. Participants' levels of optimism…

Alcoholism is a major health problem afflicting people all over the world. Understanding the neural substrates of this addictive disorder may provide the basis for effective interventions. So-called ''executive processes'' play a role in cognitive functions like attention and working memory, and appear to be disrupted in alcoholism (Noel et al.,…