Problem Drinking

by Nick Heather, Ian Robertson

Problem drinking aims to bridge the wide gap that exits between the modern, scientific account of the nature of alcohol problems, and the popular understanding of the subject. In particular, it presents detailed evidence and arguments against the commonly accepted view that 'alcoholism' is best regarded as a disease. Instead, it outlines an alternative approach to alcohol problems, based on the premise that they are best seen as example of socially learned behavior. In the third edition, the authors have brought the book up to date by covering the major developments that have taken place in recent years, in particular in the field of genetics. The book is also one of the first to discuss the results and recommendations for the 5 year long Project MATCH study, probably the most extensive alcohol study ever undertaken, the results of which are due to be published in 1997. The book provides a useful textbook for students undertaking courses in alcoholism, as part of psychology and
psychiatry degrees, and provides practical advice for counselors, social workers, and health promotion officers.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 1990

Reviews

[Budge Burgess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting dated now - this 3rd edition was originally published in 1997 - but it still provides an interesting discussion and critique of the medical model which defines alcohol problems in terms of disease. I worked with problems drinkers and people with drug problems for many years - and spent too much of my own life drinking: I have no professional or personal belief in the disease model / medical model and feel it only serves to retard our abilities to engage with drink / drug problems and the need for behavioural change.
The first half of this book discusses research and explores the history of the emergence of the medical model, and explains the failings of this approach. It's worth a read.
The second half of the book discusses learning and conditioning theories and, frankly, is not worth reading. However, this is not the place to write a professional critique rather than a review.
If you're engaged in the field, this book is still worth looking at, but you need a knowledge of the social sciences before you start, it's not really for the 'lay' person.