Comprehensive strategies for the therapy of alcoholism: where have we gone wrong?
The origins of contemporary concepts of alcoholism and of its treatment are traced. Evidence for the effectiveness of specialist treatment is reviewed. The factors which may limit treatment effectiveness are explored. It is concluded that the knowledge and methods necessary to make a far greater impact on the problem already exist. A comprehensive and co-ordinated treatment strategy involving a working partnership between specialists and generalists would go a long way towards reducing the burden of alcohol-related problems on society.
Drummond
D C
DC
Addiction Research Unit, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, London, U.K.
D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D014481:United States