General Theory Of Alcoholism

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General Theory Of Alcoholism

There are many theories of alcoholism, and some approaches explain and treat certain alcoholics better than others. One of the common themes throughout the readings is that addicts display a range of personal and situational problems. There is no typical addicted personality or emotional problem (Allen, 1996). Because of these facts, it comes as no surprise that there are also no typical assessment or treatment for these individuals. For instance, a medical/disease model of alcoholism may be more useful to some alcoholics than others. The point is that instead of rigidly applying one model, a counselors goal is to use the models that are most effective to the particular alcoholic in question.
A primary thesis is that the way we construe alcoholism highly determines the way we diagnose, treat, and feel about alcoholism. Therefore, it is important for us to clearly and consciously know our own personal views (theories, beliefs, assumptions, expectations) toward drinking and addiction. I believe that each one of us hold theories about alcoholism which may be more or less helpful and/or harmful.
For example, if we view an alcoholic only as one who is on skid row, frequently drunk, out of control, and blatantly disruptive and embarrassing, then our theory of alcoholism must be modified for successful assessment and treatment. Although such a view does include some alcoholics, it excludes most of them and therefore precludes helping them. Instead of one alcoholism, I have come to believe that there are many alcoholisms. And as reflected in the referenced readings, instead of one theory, there are many theories and treatments. This is rather frightening to the new MSW! How will I know?
Through the years, I have pieced together a general theory of alcoholism. First, alcoholics are more or less obsessed with the thoughts of drinking (manifested in idle thinking, dreams, fantasies, intrusive thoughts, and concrete plans). Alcoholics look forward to drinking, think about and give reasons for not drinking, justify their drinking, lie about and hide their drinking, or think about the comfort of drinking. Simply put: A lot of thought is given to drinking. Furthermore, the promise of drinking in the near future helps alcoholics to relax in the present, and conversely the thought of not being able to drink for an indefinite time evokes anxiety and subtle sadness. Non-alcoholics simple do not think this way.
Alcoholics feel compelled to...

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