Rivers, P. Clayton : University of Nebraska-Lincoln

A general overview of the alcohol field blending research, theory, and practice.

Weaves theory and research into practical applications --illustrated by real-world examples of alcohol use and abuse.

Boxes highlight important facts or set off important issues for in-depth discussion.

Shows how attitudes and behaviors have changed over the years due to changing societal perceptions of alcohol's effect on people and American society in general.

Reviews how alcoholic beverages are manufactured, their alcohol content, and the percentage of alcohol contained in each of the various beverage types.

Presents a special chapter on definitions and typologies, and discusses the limitations and possible use of the various definitions.

Discusses definitions of safe drinking--a topic often overlooked in other texts on alcohol use and abuse.

Considers implications for genetic research and theory for both treatment and prevention of alcohol problems.

Outlines strategies--from a social learning perspective --for preventing relapse.

Details the difference in socialization patterns for high- and low-risk groups.

Explores the impact of alcoholism on the family and on children, and considers the implications of--and possible reasons for--the fact that some children seem invulnerable to the effects of alcohol.

I. BASIC ISSUES.

1. Introduction to Alcohol and the History of Its Use.
2. Alcohol Use, Abuse, and Alcoholism: Definitions and Typologies/Models.
3. Scope of the Problem.
4. The Effects of Alcohol on the Body.

II. THEORY.

5. Physiological/Genetic Theories of Alcoholism.
6. Psychological Theories: Predispositional.
7. Psychological Theories: Social Learning.
8. Sociocultural Factors in Alcohol Use and Abuse.

III. INTERVENTION, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION.

9. Intervention, Assessment, and Individual Treatment.
10. Alcohol and the Family: Family Therapy.
11. Group Therapy.
12. Alcoholics Anonymous.
13. Prevention and Intervention.

Index.