Alcoholism Treatment: A Social Work Perspective (The Nelson-Hall Series in Social Work) [Paperback]

Katherine van Wormer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0830413871 | ISBN-13: 978-0830413874 | Edition: 1st

This book provides an ecosystems approach to alcoholism and its treatment. It bridges the gap between the twelve-step approach and the scientifically based Responsibility model. Van Wormer views the individual behavior. Biological and psychological factors in alcoholism are covered. The text draws upon literature from several cultures to discuss the role of alcohol in society. Gender, minority, and gay-lesbian issues are integrated throughout.

Editorial Reviews

Review

It is also a book that addresses several levels of readers. One is that of the\ sudent in social work (or other related field) who needs an introduction to th\ e basics of addiction. Van Wormer skillfully explores issues such as the biolo\ gy of alcoholism, actual family dynamics, history, special groups, treatment ph\ ilosophies, etc. Another level is that of the advanced addictions workers who \ is ready to question rather than just absorb. The author sets the pace of care\ fully challenging some conventional assumptions of the field, as in her incorpo\ ration of the ecological perspective, her discussion of damage to sperm in rela\ tion to drug/alcohol-related birth defects, her critique of the idea of "codep\ endency," her exploration of treatment services for women and her overall rejec\ tion of the simplistic thinking about addictions that was characteristic of bot\ h the First and Second Waves. Another level is that of the specialty student. \ Van Wormer examines many interesting specialty themes, whether that of ethnici\ ty and addictions, or that physiology of addictions, or the analysis of the ex\ istence of addictions work in the macroculture (a theme which pervades the book\ ). -- Marguerite Babcock, Center for Substance Abuse, Mckeesport, Pennsylvania

The second section, aspects of addiction, is van Wormer's strongest contribution. She takes a needed holistic approach to alcoholism treatment that considers the biolgical, psychological, social, and sprititual contexts. Van Wormer provides an overview of the biology of alcoholism and its many physical effects. Her chapter on cognitive aspects offers helpful orientation to the thought processes of many people with alcohol problems. Lacking this understanding, many professionals are baffled and frustrated in their interactions with such individuals. -- Thomas Gregoire, Social Work 41, 1996

Product Details

• Paperback: 372 pages
• Publisher: Nelson Hall; 1st edition (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830413871
• ISBN-13: 978-0830413874
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,893,264 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Katherine van Wormer, MSSW, Ph.D., grew up in New Orleans, taught English in Northern Ireland and is Professor of Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa. She worked extensively in the field of substance abuse counseling in Washington State and Norway. Dr. van Wormer has authored or co-authored 16 books. Her most recent contributions are two volumes of Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Micro and Macro Levels (Oxford University Press), Addiction Treatment: A Strengths Perspective (Cengage), Women and the Criminal Justice System (Prentice Hall), and Death by Domestic Violence: Preventing the Murders and the Murder-Suicides (Praeger), and Working with Female Offenders: A Gender Sensitive Approach.

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3.0 out of 5 stars OKAY, February 10, 2010

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This review is from: Alcoholism Treatment: A Social Work Perspective (The Nelson-Hall Series in Social Work) (Paperback)

PERSON FORGOT TO TAKE IT OFF THE WEBSITE--HE DIDN'T HAVE IT ANYMORE SO I NEVER GOT IT BUT HE COMMUNICATED WELL