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Alcoholism, its frequency, etiology and treatment

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Summary

  1. 1.

    Alcoholism is a problem still unsatisfactorily solved. In the mental hospitals of this country, alcoholics constitute in the neighborhood of 10 to 12 per cent of the total population, and the number of alcoholics admitted to state hospitals is increasing each year.

  2. 2.

    With respect to the cause of alcoholism, a few cases appear to be “pure” alcoholics, but it is believed that most alcoholics are alcoholics because of some preexisting psychobiological or psychopathological inadequacy. In the acute forms, the aims of treatment are to maintain the patient's strength and vitamin intake, to alleviate the excitement, to procure sleep and to promote free elimination. In all forms, complete withdrawal of alcohol is essential. Psychotherapy affords the best possibilities for recovery and should include a study of the patient and an attempt to educate him in replacing his weakness with whatever assets he may possess. Far-advanced cases require continuous hospital care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Willard State Hospital, Willard, N. Y.

    Willis A. Strong M. D.

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  1. Willis A. Strong M. D.
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Strong, W.A. Alcoholism, its frequency, etiology and treatment. Psych Quar 14, 403–411 (1940). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01573198

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01573198

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