Griffith Edwards – författare

Originally published in 1977, alcoholism was acknowledged to be a seriously growing problem in many parts of the world. It is a complex disorder with psychiatric, physical, psychological and social aspects, having far reaching harmful effects on the family and society, as well as on physical and mental health of the alcoholic themself. At the time of original publication it had been estimated that in England and Wales 11 out of every 1,000 in the adult population had a serious drink problem, and alcoholism was a major cause of admission to psychiatric and general hospitals. Alcoholism was a medico-social problem of such magnitude that this comprehensive volume, embodying advances in knowledge of causation, treatment and prevention filled an urgent need at the time. Still a major concern today this reissue can be read in its historical context.

Originally published in 1980, the purpose of this book was to aid a process of rethinking alcoholism treatment. Such a process was already underway in many parts of the world at the time. It was hoped that this volume would be useful in the modest role of abetting such a rethinking. Alcoholism treatment was definitely in transition, abandoning old certainties, searching for new syntheses and that is the position this book takes looking for an alternative understanding. The book is divided into six parts: Transition as Challenge; Does Treatment Work?; Towards Better Questions and Better Methodologies; Treatment System as Case For Study; Models in Transition; and Alcohol Agendas. The book also contains one chapter that discusses alcoholism treatment in a developing country, not often addressed at the time but acknowledgement that the problem is a global one.

Originally published in 1977, alcoholism was acknowledged to be a seriously growing problem in many parts of the world. It is a complex disorder with psychiatric, physical, psychological and social aspects, having far reaching harmful effects on the family and society, as well as on physical and mental health of the alcoholic themself. At the time of original publication it had been estimated that in England and Wales 11 out of every 1,000 in the adult population had a serious drink problem, and alcoholism was a major cause of admission to psychiatric and general hospitals. Alcoholism was a medico-social problem of such magnitude that this comprehensive volume, embodying advances in knowledge of causation, treatment and prevention filled an urgent need at the time. Still a major concern today this reissue can be read in its historical context.

Originally published in 1980, the purpose of this book was to aid a process of rethinking alcoholism treatment. Such a process was already underway in many parts of the world at the time. It was hoped that this volume would be useful in the modest role of abetting such a rethinking. Alcoholism treatment was definitely in transition, abandoning old certainties, searching for new syntheses and that is the position this book takes looking for an alternative understanding. The book is divided into six parts: Transition as Challenge; Does Treatment Work?; Towards Better Questions and Better Methodologies; Treatment System as Case For Study; Models in Transition; and Alcohol Agendas. The book also contains one chapter that discusses alcoholism treatment in a developing country, not often addressed at the time but acknowledgement that the problem is a global one.

Over recent years the study of addiction has moved from being a fragmented and under-developed area of science to become a forefront subject with its own identity. This book describes that fascinating process of evolution through a series of probing face-to-face interviews with the international scientists and other actors in the field who helped make the process happen.