Alcoholism: The Facts [Paperback]

Donald W. Goodwin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2000 | ISBN-10: 019263061X | ISBN-13: 978-0192630612 | Edition: 3

A new edition of this classic text on the world's number one drug problem. Written in a clear and lively style by a world authority on alcoholism, the book is aimed at those who have alcohol problems and the people who share their lives. Throughout, it examines the social, psychological, and medical aspects of alcohol problems. The five years since publication of the 2nd edition have seen the conclusion of the massive Project MATCH study - undoubtedly the largest ever research project on the treatment of alcoholism and problem drinking. The new edition considers some of the findings from this project, and the implications they have for treatment methods. Other areas expanded include those on women and alcoholism and a look at recent results from studies into genetic causes of alcoholism. Reviews of 1st and 2nd editions 'Don Goodwin is something of a phenomenon: a physician who can write...clear and compelling, yet interesting, even amusing.' American Journal of Psychiatry '...gives much sound and practical advice on dealing with alcoholics...highly recommended.' British Medical Journal Goodwin is a master of his art...the most lucid account of alcoholism for the layman to appear.' British Journal of Psychiatry '.This book is highly recommended, both to learners and post-registration nurses in all specialties...this is a valuable book; everyone should read it.' Nursing Times '...readable, concise, and thorough.' Annals of the Royal college of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada 'Anyone concerned with their own or another's excessive drinking should read "Alcoholism: The Facts". A modest, well-presented book, it is succinct and rarely wastes a word.' The Canberra times.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`"Now in its third edition, this is one of the best books available to the lay public."' Alcohol and Alcoholism

About the Author

Donald Goodwin is known worldwide for his extensive research into Alcoholism and its causes and effects.

Product Details

• Paperback: 163 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 3 edition (February 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019263061X
• ISBN-13: 978-0192630612
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #980,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb and accessible look at a debilitating disorder., April 23, 1998

By 

Dr Mitchell Earleywine "Dr. Mitch" (Albany, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alcoholism: The Facts (Paperback)

Goodwin's accessible, effortless style, which he used so well in previous editions, carries the reader nicely through the intricacies of one of the world's most popular drugs and its associated disorders. Excerpts from literature and case studies provide a superb feel for the phenomenology of addiction. Numerous entertaining quotes appear from everyone from Kissinger to Humpty Dumpty. Goodwin provides a thorough look at alcohol itself, the problems associated with excess consumption, common theories designed to account for these problems, and many of the available treatments. Through simple explanations of the correct interpretations of available data, Goodwin not only provides a great deal of meaningful information, but he teaches the reader to become a good consumer of research. This book is refreshingly scientific and lacks the horribly moralistic tone many books on this topic take.

24 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Reader, February 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Alcoholism: The Facts (Paperback)

I found this book disturbing. The author defines alcoholism most narrowly: basically one must be completely out of control and not functioning on any level to qualify. This book will provide refuge for the functioning alcoholic who is looking for a source to support his denial. The author takes "problem drinking" very lightly, suggesting that it can and does cure itself at the drinker's will. Much of this book contradicts everything I have read or heard from all other sources (and certainly my own experience with a "problem drinker.") The author also seems somewhat hostile to AA, a bias he should have disclosed in the preface. It is hard to believe that this book represents "the facts," any more than it represents the author's perspective. Readers should not assume that the author's MD makes him anything more than a human with an opinion; and in this case, one that is not broadly accepted.