Routledge Library Editions: Alcohol and Alcoholism – serie

This 19-volume set has titles originally published between 1951 and 1991. The books examine alcohol in a variety of ways, particularly the debates around, and the progression in, treatment for alcoholism through the 1970s and 1980s, but also in the wider social and economic sense. Still a concern today, it also includes titles that focus on young drinkers and health education. This collection will be of interest to all those interested in alcohol and its impact on both the individual and society.

Originally published in 1987, Helping the Problem Drinker addressed the realisation that only a small proportion of problem drinkers ever contacted existing treatment agencies, and that therefore a more comprehensive community-oriented approach should be developed. This included training of primary care health workers and the development of multidisciplinary Community Alcohol Teams. At the time other community-based initiatives such as self-help groups for early problem drinkers and early intervention programmes in general practice and general hospitals, had been implemented. This book draws together what had been learned about these new developments, a number of which had now been evaluated. The book will still be of interest to all planners and professional staff concerned with alcohol problems: both specialists and non-specialists in general medicine, psychiatry, psychology and the social services.

Originally published in 1987, Helping the Problem Drinker addressed the realisation that only a small proportion of problem drinkers ever contacted existing treatment agencies, and that therefore a more comprehensive community-oriented approach should be developed. This included training of primary care health workers and the development of multidisciplinary Community Alcohol Teams. At the time other community-based initiatives such as self-help groups for early problem drinkers and early intervention programmes in general practice and general hospitals, had been implemented. This book draws together what had been learned about these new developments, a number of which had now been evaluated. The book will still be of interest to all planners and professional staff concerned with alcohol problems: both specialists and non-specialists in general medicine, psychiatry, psychology and the social services.

Originally published in 1981 and revised in 1983, Controlled Drinking was the first scholarly review of the literature on a controversial but increasingly practiced approach to the treatment of alcoholism. Nick Heather and Ian Robertson analyse all the pertinent questions that controlled drinking raises, starting with the need to examine the ‘disease conception’ of alcoholism and ‘total abstinence’ treatment. They look at the evidence indicating that some people, previously diagnosed as alcoholics, are able to return to normal, controlled patterns of drinking, and discuss therapies where controlled drinking is the treatment goal, fully reviewing the evidence for their success and failure. Concluding with a discussion of the theoretical and policy implications of controlled drinking, the authors recommend that the disease view of alcoholism be finally abandoned.For the revised paperback edition, as well as correcting and updating the text and references, the authors included an important postscript on the charges of falsification of evidence and their subsequent refutation which made up the Sobell affair. The wealth of other material presented in Controlled Drinking supports the authors’ conclusions even if the Sobells’ work were ignored. However, this revised edition was made more useful for student and professional readers by the postscript’s discussion of the controversy surrounding the most widely known and quoted controlled drinking trial at the time.

How far should counselling be tailored to an individual’s needs? What intervention is most effective for which kind of problem drinker? How can the counsellor successfully guide the client through the process of deciding to change? Originally published in 1991, Counselling Problem Drinkers provides an illuminating and invaluable guide for the counsellor trying to help clients control their drinking. Written in a clear, straightforward way, it offers practical but imaginative advice, and places alcohol counselling firmly in context.

How far should counselling be tailored to an individual’s needs? What intervention is most effective for which kind of problem drinker? How can the counsellor successfully guide the client through the process of deciding to change? Originally published in 1991, Counselling Problem Drinkers provides an illuminating and invaluable guide for the counsellor trying to help clients control their drinking. Written in a clear, straightforward way, it offers practical but imaginative advice, and places alcohol counselling firmly in context.

Originally published in 1981 and revised in 1983, Controlled Drinking was the first scholarly review of the literature on a controversial but increasingly practiced approach to the treatment of alcoholism. Nick Heather and Ian Robertson analyse all the pertinent questions that controlled drinking raises, starting with the need to examine the ‘disease conception’ of alcoholism and ‘total abstinence’ treatment. They look at the evidence indicating that some people, previously diagnosed as alcoholics, are able to return to normal, controlled patterns of drinking, and discuss therapies where controlled drinking is the treatment goal, fully reviewing the evidence for their success and failure. Concluding with a discussion of the theoretical and policy implications of controlled drinking, the authors recommend that the disease view of alcoholism be finally abandoned.For the revised paperback edition, as well as correcting and updating the text and references, the authors included an important postscript on the charges of falsification of evidence and their subsequent refutation which made up the Sobell affair. The wealth of other material presented in Controlled Drinking supports the authors’ conclusions even if the Sobells’ work were ignored. However, this revised edition was made more useful for student and professional readers by the postscript’s discussion of the controversy surrounding the most widely known and quoted controlled drinking trial at the time.

In the 1980s the study of alcoholism was in a period of rapid change, this book, originally published in 1985, identifies and explores the three most controversial contemporary issues: changes at the basic explanatory level in our concept of harmful drinking; the undermining of our confidence that drinking behaviour can be effectively modified in the traditional context of ‘treatment’; and the changes in our concept of the effective prevention of harmful drinking.The authors of the book came from a variety of backgrounds, but all were members of the New Directions in the Study of Alcohol Group. They broadly reject the disease concept of alcoholism, but, as this volume shows, there is still scope for vigorous debate and this book should have something of interest for all concerned with problems of alcoholism.

In the 1980s the study of alcoholism was in a period of rapid change, this book, originally published in 1985, identifies and explores the three most controversial contemporary issues: changes at the basic explanatory level in our concept of harmful drinking; the undermining of our confidence that drinking behaviour can be effectively modified in the traditional context of ‘treatment’; and the changes in our concept of the effective prevention of harmful drinking.The authors of the book came from a variety of backgrounds, but all were members of the New Directions in the Study of Alcohol Group. They broadly reject the disease concept of alcoholism, but, as this volume shows, there is still scope for vigorous debate and this book should have something of interest for all concerned with problems of alcoholism.

For most of the post-war period, alcohol problems had been viewed primarily as individual problems. During the 1970s and 1980s, research highlighted the importance of larger socio-economic factors in shaping drinking levels, patterns and problems. However, it largely ignored a paramount force which shaped this larger socio-economic environment: the modern multinational corporation.The aim of this book, originally published in 1985, was to demonstrate, on the basis of historical analysis, that transnational corporate structures and marketing strategies exercised a powerful impact on the availability and consumption of alcoholic beverages in both developed and developing marketing economies. While the authors did not want to suggest a single causal relationship between corporate strategies and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the implications of their work were of the greatest significance to public health throughout the world. The book was an indispensable work for those interested in public health, alcoholism, and multinational business at the time. Today it can be read in its historical context.

For most of the post-war period, alcohol problems had been viewed primarily as individual problems. During the 1970s and 1980s, research highlighted the importance of larger socio-economic factors in shaping drinking levels, patterns and problems. However, it largely ignored a paramount force which shaped this larger socio-economic environment: the modern multinational corporation.The aim of this book, originally published in 1985, was to demonstrate, on the basis of historical analysis, that transnational corporate structures and marketing strategies exercised a powerful impact on the availability and consumption of alcoholic beverages in both developed and developing marketing economies. While the authors did not want to suggest a single causal relationship between corporate strategies and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the implications of their work were of the greatest significance to public health throughout the world. The book was an indispensable work for those interested in public health, alcoholism, and multinational business at the time. Today it can be read in its historical context.

During the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, general levels of alcohol consumption had risen considerably in all parts of the world. In association with this, there was a proliferation of alcohol-related problems such as liver disease, drunkenness offences, marital disharmony and employment difficulties. Many factors influence the probability of alcohol addiction and the habits of drinking; they include age, sex, race, occupation and income.Economic aspects of the use and misuse of alcohol had been attracting increasing attention during the early 1980s. Politicians and scholars alike had drawn attention to the benefits of a vigorous alcohol industry on the one hand, and on the other, the costs of providing medical, social and educational services for those suffering from alcohol-related problems. Originally published in 1983, the real nature of the relationship between economics and alcohol is explored in detail for the first time in this book. It argues for increased participation by economists in the processes of social policy decision-making and considers the key issues of cost-benefit analyses, control policies, taxation and programme efficiency. No easy solutions are provided, but a host of unjustified assumptions about this subject are clarified. This book paved the way for substantial future collaboration between economists and those involved in alcohol studies.

During the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, general levels of alcohol consumption had risen considerably in all parts of the world. In association with this, there was a proliferation of alcohol-related problems such as liver disease, drunkenness offences, marital disharmony and employment difficulties. Many factors influence the probability of alcohol addiction and the habits of drinking; they include age, sex, race, occupation and income.Economic aspects of the use and misuse of alcohol had been attracting increasing attention during the early 1980s. Politicians and scholars alike had drawn attention to the benefits of a vigorous alcohol industry on the one hand, and on the other, the costs of providing medical, social and educational services for those suffering from alcohol-related problems. Originally published in 1983, the real nature of the relationship between economics and alcohol is explored in detail for the first time in this book. It argues for increased participation by economists in the processes of social policy decision-making and considers the key issues of cost-benefit analyses, control policies, taxation and programme efficiency. No easy solutions are provided, but a host of unjustified assumptions about this subject are clarified. This book paved the way for substantial future collaboration between economists and those involved in alcohol studies.

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 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.

The majority of problem-drinkers are not unemployed derelicts but are employed persons often with senior positions in commerce, the professions and industry. Furthermore, it is well-known that alcohol causes widespread absenteeism, inefficiency and accidents at work. Originally published in 1981, Alcohol Problems in Employment reviews the evidence relating to the general effects of alcohol misuse on employment and the special problems involved in certain ‘high-risk’ industries at the time. A number of international case studies are then presented to illustrate what was being done to counter the problem.

The majority of problem-drinkers are not unemployed derelicts but are employed persons often with senior positions in commerce, the professions and industry. Furthermore, it is well-known that alcohol causes widespread absenteeism, inefficiency and accidents at work. Originally published in 1981, Alcohol Problems in Employment reviews the evidence relating to the general effects of alcohol misuse on employment and the special problems involved in certain ‘high-risk’ industries at the time. A number of international case studies are then presented to illustrate what was being done to counter the problem.

In the early 1980s teenage drinking had become one of the many foci for expressions of concern about young peoples’ morals, health and discipline. Yet we knew very little about how most young people drink – the qualitative aspects of youthful drinking. The research emphasis had hitherto been upon the level of drinking, neglecting the social forms, styles and associated meanings of specific drinking practices such as round-buying.Originally published in 1983, the core of this book reports upon an ethnographic study of the circumstances, cultures and drinking practices of one particular stratum of youth. The service sector had become an increasingly important area of employment, but little was known about service sector youth cultures. The author shows how mixed-sex round buying arises in such a culture and how it differs from the drinking practices of other groups.The study goes on to develop a general model for understanding drinking practices in diverse strata of youth, and draws out implications for health and social education. Drink education is related to the increasingly important, and contentious, area of education about ‘working life’ and to sexual divisions in society. Introducing these sections is a review of the historical origins of concern about public drinking. Originating in yearly Vagrancy Acts and elaborated over 500 years, the state’s policies about production, distribution, and consumption of alcohol are an integral part of its general economic and social policies, and will continue to be framed by them.

In the early 1980s teenage drinking had become one of the many foci for expressions of concern about young peoples’ morals, health and discipline. Yet we knew very little about how most young people drink – the qualitative aspects of youthful drinking. The research emphasis had hitherto been upon the level of drinking, neglecting the social forms, styles and associated meanings of specific drinking practices such as round-buying.Originally published in 1983, the core of this book reports upon an ethnographic study of the circumstances, cultures and drinking practices of one particular stratum of youth. The service sector had become an increasingly important area of employment, but little was known about service sector youth cultures. The author shows how mixed-sex round buying arises in such a culture and how it differs from the drinking practices of other groups.The study goes on to develop a general model for understanding drinking practices in diverse strata of youth, and draws out implications for health and social education. Drink education is related to the increasingly important, and contentious, area of education about ‘working life’ and to sexual divisions in society. Introducing these sections is a review of the historical origins of concern about public drinking. Originating in yearly Vagrancy Acts and elaborated over 500 years, the state’s policies about production, distribution, and consumption of alcohol are an integral part of its general economic and social policies, and will continue to be framed by them.

Young people are regarded as vulnerable by the media – often exaggeratedly so. In the early 1990s they had become the focus of public concern regarding alcohol misuse. But attempts to educate teenagers into using alcohol sensibly have often been counterproductive. What kind of approach should alcohol education take to produce effective results?Originally published in 1991, Educating Young Drinkers outlines the reasons for the lack of success in previous experiments in alcohol education at the time. It focuses on an activity-based primary intervention with young people as a possible solution. With the active involvement of school teachers, Gellisse Bagnall had developed a relevant and pupil-oriented programme designed for easy classroom use. The evaluation of the results of this experiment demonstrated that non-didactic alcohol education can be made to work.In emphasizing the political and theoretical assumptions made in devising health education policies, Educating Young Drinkers was directly relevant to social scientists within alcohol and/or health education, as well as to policy makers. It would also be a valuable source of information for teachers and all those working with young people.

Young people are regarded as vulnerable by the media – often exaggeratedly so. In the early 1990s they had become the focus of public concern regarding alcohol misuse. But attempts to educate teenagers into using alcohol sensibly have often been counterproductive. What kind of approach should alcohol education take to produce effective results?Originally published in 1991, Educating Young Drinkers outlines the reasons for the lack of success in previous experiments in alcohol education at the time. It focuses on an activity-based primary intervention with young people as a possible solution. With the active involvement of school teachers, Gellisse Bagnall had developed a relevant and pupil-oriented programme designed for easy classroom use. The evaluation of the results of this experiment demonstrated that non-didactic alcohol education can be made to work.In emphasizing the political and theoretical assumptions made in devising health education policies, Educating Young Drinkers was directly relevant to social scientists within alcohol and/or health education, as well as to policy makers. It would also be a valuable source of information for teachers and all those working with young people.

In the 1980s the relationship between alcohol and aggression and violence was a controversial one. Much of previous thinking had been based on anecdotal evidence. In contrast this book, originally published in 1986, is based upon recent scientific evidence from a broad range of studies from animal experimentation to clinical and social research. The initial chapters describe what aggression is, in terms of theories of animal behaviour, how alcohol influences neural and endocrine functions and behaviour and how problematic it often is to extrapolate from animal research to humans. Later chapters give critical reviews of attempts to relate alcohol intake to violence and crime.The book represents a major synthesis of work from many disciplines and will interest workers in animal behaviour, alcohol studies, psychopharmacology and social psychology.

In the 1980s the relationship between alcohol and aggression and violence was a controversial one. Much of previous thinking had been based on anecdotal evidence. In contrast this book, originally published in 1986, is based upon recent scientific evidence from a broad range of studies from animal experimentation to clinical and social research. The initial chapters describe what aggression is, in terms of theories of animal behaviour, how alcohol influences neural and endocrine functions and behaviour and how problematic it often is to extrapolate from animal research to humans. Later chapters give critical reviews of attempts to relate alcohol intake to violence and crime.The book represents a major synthesis of work from many disciplines and will interest workers in animal behaviour, alcohol studies, psychopharmacology and social psychology.

The nature of alcohol problems is very diverse and the strategies adopted for minimising these vary even more. Thinking in the study of alcohol problems in the 1970s and early 1980s had focused on the public health perspective, seeking not only to lessen alcohol problems by controlling the availability of alcohol, but also to promote moderate drinking practices and to preserve the positive advantages of alcohol use.Originally published in 1983, a detailed review of public health issues in this field at the time opens the book. This is followed by an examination of alcohol-related problems and policies for their control in sixteen different European countries. The chapters on individual countries provide a source of information and data on alcohol policies, consumption and problems with which it is possible to examine from a cross-cultural and comparative basis the claims of a public health perspective. The final chapter draws together the cross-national data and discusses their implications for a public health response to alcohol problems. This book should now be a historical reference source for all interested in health policy in general and alcohol problems in particular.

The nature of alcohol problems is very diverse and the strategies adopted for minimising these vary even more. Thinking in the study of alcohol problems in the 1970s and early 1980s had focused on the public health perspective, seeking not only to lessen alcohol problems by controlling the availability of alcohol, but also to promote moderate drinking practices and to preserve the positive advantages of alcohol use.Originally published in 1983, a detailed review of public health issues in this field at the time opens the book. This is followed by an examination of alcohol-related problems and policies for their control in sixteen different European countries. The chapters on individual countries provide a source of information and data on alcohol policies, consumption and problems with which it is possible to examine from a cross-cultural and comparative basis the claims of a public health perspective. The final chapter draws together the cross-national data and discusses their implications for a public health response to alcohol problems. This book should now be a historical reference source for all interested in health policy in general and alcohol problems in particular.

In the 1970s family doctors, social workers, researchers and administrators had been aware of the inadequacy of the response to drinking problems for some time. However, there had been no systematic examination of why such agents felt negatively about drinkers and disinclined to respond to them. Originally published in 1978, this book develops a radical new perspective on the prevalence and causes of drinking problems, combining reviews of historical and contemporary literature with the authors’ own research studies.This perspective is then linked to the need for an integrated response from both medical and social services, with a particular accent on the need for a community response. By focusing on the relationship between helper and helped a solution is sought to the question which has troubled the field for many years: why are agents like family doctors and social workers so inadequate in recognising and responding to people with drinking problems?The crucial aspects within the therapeutic relationship are pinpointed and experimental studies are described which show how training, casework, supervision and the redeployment of expertise can help improve recognition rates and responses to individual drinkers. This book thus expresses the need for major changes both in our attitudes and understanding of people with drinking problems and the difficulties of agents who try to help them. It should still be of historical interest to social scientists and those involved in helping people with drinking problems.

In the 1970s family doctors, social workers, researchers and administrators had been aware of the inadequacy of the response to drinking problems for some time. However, there had been no systematic examination of why such agents felt negatively about drinkers and disinclined to respond to them. Originally published in 1978, this book develops a radical new perspective on the prevalence and causes of drinking problems, combining reviews of historical and contemporary literature with the authors’ own research studies.This perspective is then linked to the need for an integrated response from both medical and social services, with a particular accent on the need for a community response. By focusing on the relationship between helper and helped a solution is sought to the question which has troubled the field for many years: why are agents like family doctors and social workers so inadequate in recognising and responding to people with drinking problems?The crucial aspects within the therapeutic relationship are pinpointed and experimental studies are described which show how training, casework, supervision and the redeployment of expertise can help improve recognition rates and responses to individual drinkers. This book thus expresses the need for major changes both in our attitudes and understanding of people with drinking problems and the difficulties of agents who try to help them. It should still be of historical interest to social scientists and those involved in helping people with drinking problems.

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 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.