Faculty Bibliography

This article considers some of the psychophysiologic mechanisms that underlie the driven, apparently self-destructive behavior of addicted persons. The authors review the available literature on the association between suicidal behavior and substance abuse. These issues are discussed in the context of the epidemiology and phenomenology of self-destructive behavior

Both charismatic religious sects and self-help groups] illustrate the ability of the zealous large group to alter patterns of

A national movement of parent self-help groups has recently emerged to combat drug abuse in children and adolescents. This innovative modality addresses a major mental health problem in an area where manpower shortages are anticipated. On the basis of self-report data from 135 parent group members, the drug and behavior problems of their children were evaluated. Improvement was reported in the community at large but more frequently in the children of members. The parent groups differed notably in structure and activities; nonetheless, the underlying psychology of membership, i.e., the shared attitudes and social cohesiveness of the members, facilitated the achieving of common goals

Discusses, relative to Part I of the symposium 'Alcoholism Treatment Through Systems Intervention,' the nature of the social system, a definition of levels within a system at which intervention may take place, and problems associated with research on (and thus the outcome of) social intervention in alcoholism. It is contended that a general systems approach is helpful in considering social intervention in alcoholism since social issues may interact to produce drinking patterns that are not easily understood on the basis of a single social determinant.

An innovative approach to ambulatory alcoholism treatment is proposed, based on adapting a self-help modality to the institutional clinic setting, for more cost-effective care. It draws on the principles of social influence in large groups, and diffuses the therapist's perogatives among more advanced patients. The program thereby operates with half the usual counseling staff. In this study (n = 235), a controlled comparison of this approach was made with more conventional clinic treatment, based on small-group therapy. Retention and visit rates of the experimental patients over 1 year of care were no different from the control patients, and engagement of inpatients into ambulatory care was more effective