16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Family therapists tackle alcoholism, September 27, 2000
This review is from: Alcoholism and the Family: A Guide to Treatment and Prevention (Paperback)
In the past, the problem drinker goes off for treatment, and the rest of the family was a secondary consideration. The authors propose a different perspective. Instead of just treating one member, treat the entire alcoholic family as the client. Each individual within the family structure should be an integral part of treatment, not just the drinking member. The author's treatment approach attempts to trace alcoholism back to it's root origins and describes how the problem is passed from generation to generation. The book describes many ways people perpetuate alcoholism, both consciously and unconsciously, and how it can be identified and treated. Specific procedures were included for prevention and for the diagnosis and treatment of the alcoholic family. The book was clearly written, and each chapter built upon the previous chapter, providing a lucid, sequential, and understandable text. The book was divided into four parts: (1) background; (2) etiology; (3) treatment; and (4) prevention. Part one is a review of alcoholism treatment and etiological theories. The controversial disease concept of alcohol was discussed first, followed by the physiological, psychological and sociocultural theories, respectively. The point was made that no one theory is correct, but rather, that all these factors contribute to the problem depending on individual circumstances. The Alcoholics Anonymous Model, Transactional Analysis Model and Behavioral Model of treatment were discussed, exclusive of other theories, and the authors ultimately suggest an eclectic approach. Treatment should fit the needs of the client and should be individualized. Part two dealt with etiology and proposed looking at the problem from the perspective of alcoholism as a family problem. Family therapy philosophy was reviewed, and the authors discussed the Communications Model, Systems Model, Structural Model and Social Learning Model. The importance of dynamics within the family of origin and the nuclear family was emphasized. Physiological, sociocultural and psychological theories of etiology were discussed, as well as the relevance of etiology for treatment and prevention. Part three dealt with treatment of the alcoholic family. It presented family therapy techniques that may be unfamiliar to the alcohol counselor and included techniques for family therapists who are inexperienced in working with alcoholic families. The authors present the view that the focus of treatment should be on the aspect of the family system that perpetuates the drinking behavior. This factor is unique in each family and should be evaluated without any preconceived notion about typical behavior patterns. Some of the topics discussed were family reports and therapist assessment of family structure; family therapy and A.A.; marital therapy; adolescent alcoholism; family violence; sexual dysfunction; children of alcoholics; art therapy; treatment of the alcoholic's spouse; and evaluation of family treatment. Lastly, Part four discussed the important issue of prevention. Primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention were explained and discussed. Alcoholism is a widespread problem that has been very resistant to treatment efforts. Many gains have been made by practitioners and researchers, but in many ways, the effective treatment and prevention of alcoholism are yet to be discovered. The textbook attempted to put the treatment and prevention of alcoholism into a family perspective. I found this book to be extremely informative and useful, and was written in a very readable and comprehensive manner.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Good overview on all major theories of alcoholism, various therapies, June 20, 2011
This is a good overview of the various theories in alcoholims, choosing an eclectic approach, one that is designed to benefit family therapists, helping them to have at their disposal information on alcohilism so as to be able to include counseling alcoholics and their families in their practice.
However, there is information here that is of benefit to read for the recovering alcoholic him or herself as well as the family of alcoholics or anyone involved in treatment, recovery or counseling.
It treats the subject of Alcoholics Anonymous in a balanced way, helping the reader to understand that AA does help many alcoholics for a number of reasons, but also, that it is a religiously rooted organization, one of the first steps in the 12 Step program is surrender to God. Some persons' religious ideals of personal philosophies might not coincide with "surrender to God," which doesn't necessarily mean they are atheist. Some might be more intent of a self-determination approach, that is, fighting their way out of it, or relying more on their own strength, with help from others, and developing skills to do so.
Of interest is that a significant percentage of alcoholics recover without professional assistance.
Enough evidence is presented in this book to indicate that the medical model of alcholism, that alcoholism is a "disease" is more of a fallacy than fact. That while, the medical model providing a vehicle for needed distigmiation of alcohilism, and for the ability for the alcoholic to receive needed treatment, which might include medical attention and hospitilization, it fails to address the multi-faceted social, psychological, family, and other issues which often contribute to alcoholism. The medical model, then of alcoholism, is flawed, in much the same way as the medical model of mental health, ascribing mental health disorders to a "chemical imbalance".
The author outlines various types of categories of alcoholics along with various solutions.
The family is given special note in this book, which recommends alcoholism as a family, rather than an individual issue. Some families/marriage disintegrate after the alcoholic recovers. The goal is to preserve them family, to strengthen the family unit, while helping the alcoholic to recovery.
Additionally, many therapies, theories and ideas are considered including the value, for some alcoholics, families, and especially children, of art therapy. It can be a way of expressing emotions without words, something that helps many children.
Incest is considered in this book, as well as child abuse, which are more common, although certainly not exclusive in the alcoholic home.
The book is very very well researched and documented. The material is not 21 century, but a little bit dated, from 1990s, earliest, but still very relevant and applicable now. (The very latest is not necessarily the most relevant or best). The information here applies accross the board.
Would recommend this reference to therapists, family therapists, counselors, child abuse counselors, educators, alcoholics and their families, religious leaders or pastors/elders who might counsel alcoholics and their families, writers and alcoholics themselves.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Alcohol and Family, December 5, 2010
This bk brought forth a great deal of clarity and
an even greater understanding of how alcohol truly
disturbs a families dynamics. Very descriptive and
insightful, was at times challenging to read but
overall a suggested read for those suffering directly
or indirectly from alcoholism. The bk was in perfect
condition and resellable upon my completion of the
course.
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