Understanding America's drinking problem : how to combat the hazards of alcohol /

Despite the amount of attention and money that have been focused on the identification, prevention, and treatment of alcoholism, the problem still exists and may be even greater than before. With the above as a starting point, Cahalan examines the background of America's drinking problem, reviews the successes and failure of various treatment programs, and suggests methods to minimize the problem. In subject matter and scope this volume parallels The Misuse of Alcohol, ed. by Nick Heather, Ian Robertson, and Phil Davies (CH, Dec '85), and complements Alcohol Use and Abuse in America by Jack H. Mendelson and Nancy K. Mello (CH, Dec 85) and A Great and Growing Evil?: The Medical Consequences of Alcohol Abuse by the Royal College of Physicians (CH, Sep '87). This well-researched and scholarly work is recommended for both academic and general audiences.-R.S. Kowalczyk, formerly, University of Michigan

A critical examination of the alcohol problem in the U.S. Public health expert Cahalan points out that even with increased funding for alcohol treatment programs, the number of people with a drinking problem continues to grow. The author looks into reasons for the failure of public policy to curb excessive drinking, reviewing the history of alcohol control programs. For the most part, government programs have failed, says Cahalan, because they have been underfunded and often are thwarted in their attempts to educate the public by the powerful alcohol industry lobby. In addition, Cahalan discusses the costs and efficacy of various treatment programs and examines the controversy within the health care profession regarding the etiology and proper therapy for alcoholism. A comprehensive overview of a pressing social problem. References; to be indexed. JKL. 362.2'928 Alcoholism U.S. / Alcoholism U.S. Prevention / Alcoholism Treatment U.S. [OCLC] 87-45418

In the last two decades, millions of dollars have been spent on alcoholism treatment in this country, but little progress has been made in arresting either its incidence or prevalence. Well-known alcoholist Cahalan suggests that a major reason for the persistence of alcoholism is that elected officials are reluctant or unwilling to enact legislation to control drinking or to place restrictions on the liquor industry. An excellent overview of the extent of the alcohol problem in America that offers effective recommendations for combating it. Barbara J. Powell, Veterans Administration Medical Ctr., Kansas City, Mo. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.