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This monograph is a sobering document concerning the treatment of alcoholics. It is the diligent product of two researchers employed to undertake a study by the North American Association of Alcoholism Programs, (NAAAP) on the therapeutic effectiveness of state-supported alcoholism clinics. During a five-year period (1957-1962), eight representative clinics and 797 of their patients were evaluated, mainly through the use of a series of questionnaires sent to each clinic. In attempting to condense the 56 tables and 205 pages of rather unimaginative but clearly written material, one discovers a number of interesting findings.
Only 18% were abstinent or "Controlled drinkers" for a six-month period prior to a follow-up study. None after one year.
The most effective treatment was done by internists (or internists in conjunction with a social worker), as opposed to treatment by psychiatrists.
Drugs (save for disulfiram) were of no specific use except as a means of helping