Overview

There is no shortage of books on behavioral research, on behavioral research on alcoholism, or on behavioral research on alcoholism treatment. Most of the authors of chapters in this book have been involved in the writing of these books. The books and their authors have played an important role in the dramatic increase in the influence of behavioral approaches to one of our society's most troubling human problems. There are not many books, though, which detail the longitudinal course of the behavioral therapies, none doing so for behavior therapy with al- coholics and problem drinkers. That this book now appears, then, is a first, made more valuable by the fact that the chapter's authors are both research- ers and clinicians, willing and able to combine respect for empirical data with clinical sensitivity and compassion, concern, and commitment for their patients. The chapters in this book reveal important commonalities and telling divergencies in technique, strategy, and treatment tactics. Despite a common perspective on etiology and treatment, the authors of the chapters in this book diverge in criteria for deciding on treatment goal, choice of initial intervention target, the specifics of techniques used, and follow-up proce- dures. Common to all, though, is an openness to innovation, a pragmatic appreciation of approaches that work, and a sincere respect for the patient and his or her fundamental desire for a healthy, happier, and more produc- tive life.