Scores from the Comrey Personality Scales were related to scores from the Personal Orientation Dimension for a sample of alcoholic inpatients. Results supported the findings of an earlier study and helped to clarify the construct validity of the instruments. (Author/JKS)

This paper reviews the literature and presents new data on alcohol and drug problems in older individuals. Drug abusers include users of opiates, inadvertent misusers, and deliberate abusers of nonopiates. Two to 10 percent of the elderly are alcoholic, and these are usually individuals beginning alcohol abuse after age 40. (Author)

The author describes a program for treatment of alcoholism among Baltimore's growing population of American Indians. Although the program is still in the early stages of operation, its chance of success seems to be promising because it takes into account conflicting influences of the Indian and American cultures. (Author)

Explores attitudes toward alcoholism and the formative characteristics of an entering class of graduate social work students. Results produced four belief groupings: moralists, treatment optimists, habit model adherents, and disease model adherents. Findings indicate that background characteristics influence different kinds of attitudes. Suggests…

Investigated counselors' (N=94) attitudes in working with people with drinking problems and their opinions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Results indicate that generic counselors did not feel competent working with these clients; feelings of competence increased with greater experience of the client group. Counselors knew of AA but understood…

Investigates alcohol treatment among Alaska Natives. Time between age at diagnosis and first treatment was similar for men and women. Women were more likely to be parents and reported more contact with health and mental health providers. Among men, acting as a parent, lifetime depression, and type of professional consulted were significantly…

Introduces the development and theoretical underpinnings of family-involved treatment for alcoholism. Describes several interventions from the family therapy literature with an emphasis on behavioral techniques. Outlines efficacy research and considers some problems with the family approach. (Contains 42 references.) (GCP)

Two characteristics of adult children of alcoholics are external orientation and disruption of ego boundaries, which inhibit the development of a sense of self. The dependent attitudes and behaviors associated with these traits affect work habits, career selection, and work relationships. (SK)

Investigated personality characteristics of adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) by using the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test and the Personal Orientation Inventory with undergraduate and graduate college students (N=41). Results indicated there were no significant differences between the ACAs and nonACAs in identifying feelings, expressing…

Uses data from 20 case studies of Black adult female children of alcoholic parents to discuss Family Hero role often assumed by oldest or only female child in Black alcoholism families. Explains how female-dominated survival role of Family Hero in Black families is significantly more related to racial and cultural factors than numbers alone may…

Research for biological-genetic markers of alcoholism is discussed in context of a multifactorial, heterogeneous, developmental model. Suggested that strategies used in linkage and association studies will require modification. Also suggested several extant associations of genetic markers represent true secondary interactive phenomena that alter…

Recent studies show the neuropsychopharmacologic basis of alcoholism. Studies involving the serotonergic and opioidergic neurotransmitter systems have shown consistent results. Concurrent nosologic developments have led to identification of subtypes of alcoholism. This article reviews literature in these various areas in an effort to enhance…

Surveyed eleventh-grade students (n=262) to compare two measures of parental drinking problems. Students who were distressed or discomforted by their parents' drinking did not differ from other youth on measured outcomes. Students who said their parents had been treated for alcohol and drug problems differed on several variables, including…

Research strategies, including types of evaluations, designs, and indicators, developed to assess programs for chronic alcoholics and mentally ill homeless people in Canada are reviewed. Findings from previous evaluations are summarized, and the implications for evaluation practice are considered. (SLD)

Surveyed college students with (n=84) and without (n=123) alcoholic fathers regarding their perceptions of their families, depressive experiences, and coping styles within developmental model of depression that focuses on object representations. Subjects with alcoholic fathers exhibited greater introjective depression but no increase in anaclitic…