Conceptions of the Nature and Treatment of Alcoholism

This paper provides an analytical comparison of seven current conceptions of alcoholism. Six dimensions are used for the purposes of comparison: (1) definition of alcoholism; (2) etiology; (3) alcoholic personality; (4) epidemiology; (5) treatment; and, (6) prognosis. In addition to the traditional conceptions of alcoholism such as A.A. and family therapy, the paper examines three more recent points of view—namely, the behavioral, the sociological, and the transactional conceptions. Throughout the analysis, areas of disagreement are highlighted and important issues arising from these disagreements underscored.