Current Status of the Field: Contrasting Perspectives

Abstract

Because alcoholism is viewed and treated as a bad habit, almost all treatment approaches are covertly behavioral. Behavior therapy as a specific and overt approach to alcoholism is widely written and talked about. Nevertheless, it is not the major approach utilized in the majority of treatment programs. This is a result of a trend toward deprofessionalization in the field manifested by a reluctance to accept ideas not compatible with accepted dogma, a reluctance of professionals dynamically oriented to accept behavioral approaches, and a lack of belief in the efficacy of behavior therapy. It is vital to keep the field open to new ideas and facts; if we do, behavior therapy has a bright future in the treatment of alcoholism.