Alcohol Problems in the United States: Twenty Years of Treatment Perspective presents an overview of trends in the treatment of alcohol problems over a 20-year period from three vantage points: broader treatment perspectives, experienced views from the field, and personal perspectives. Some of the field's foremost experts, including Alcoholics Anonymous historian Dr. Ernest Kurtz and Dr. Robert Sparks, who chaired the committee that authored the Institute of Medicine’s highly influential study, “Broadening the Base of Treatment for Alcohol Problems,” provide practical information on the vital treatment issues you deal with every day. By detailing treatment histories of the recent past, contributors offer a look at likely future trends that will help keep your treatment methods up to date.

Treatment topics addressed in Alcohol Problems in the United States: Twenty Years of Treatment Perspective include:

• alcoholism as a disease
• alcohol dependence and mental illness
• the role of spirituality
• the growth and decline of treatment programs at the Mayo Clinic and Timberlawn Hospital
• and the special treatment needs of women, youths, African Americans, Native Americans, the Latino community, and the incarcerated.

Alcohol Problems in the United States: Twenty Years of Treatment Perspective chronicles the story of alcohol treatment from historical and personal perspectives, offering the opportunity to anticipate future trends in the many challenges associated with alcohol problems. The book is an essential resource for professional alcoholism counselors, social workers, psychologists, physicians, clergy, nurses, employee assistance professionals, and anyone who provides care and service to those struggling with alcohol.