Overview

The abuse of alcohol presents a major health problem throughout the world. Until recently both clinical and research efforts have been geared toward treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholism. With the growing num- ber of problem drinkers entering treatment, the need for a better under- standing of the prevention of alcohol abuse has become increasingly evi- dent. Although still in its infancy, the field of alcoholism prevention is growing at a rapid rate. Increasing numbers of behavioral scientists through- out the world are conducting or planning prevention projects. Policy plan- ners, school administrators, military agencies, community groups, state and local alcoholism agencies, and industries are initiating alcohol abuse preven- tion programs with fervor. Legislators at all levels of government are also developing a keen interest in legislation aimed at reducing the extent of problem drinking. This book represents one of the first systematic attempts to compile a comprehensive text on the prevention of alcohol abuse. Many of the con- tributors to Prevention 0/ Alcohol Abuse have international reputations that strengthen their understanding of the complex nature of prevention. By providing a critical review of the current knowledge about prevention, the text will serve to stimulate and lay the groundwork for further prevention efforts. We thank all of the chapter authors for their excellent contributions. It is through their efforts that the field will thrive. Our appreciation also is expressed to Leonard Pace, formerly of Plenum Press, for his encourage- ment and helpful comments in the development of the text.