Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Biological Barriers in Behavioral Medicine pp 13–34Cite as

Biological Barriers in the Treatment of Alcoholism

  • Chapter

  • 72 Accesses

Part of the book series: The Plenum Series in Behavioral Psychophysiology ((SSBP))

Abstract

For more than 20 years, a controversy has raged between the proponents of two conflicting models of alcoholism. One model, typically referred to as the traditional or disease model (Pattison, Sobell, & Sobell, 1977) assumes that alcoholism is a progressive, irreversible disease which may cause the abstaining alcoholic to experience an irresistible craving for alcohol and the indulgent alcoholic to lose control over alcohol consumption. The etiology of alcoholism, according to this model, is physiological and/or genetic in origin. In contrast, the behavioral model assumes that alcohol consumption is a socially acquired, learned pattern of behavior which occurs as a function of antecedent and consequent events. Such events include situational or environmental factors as well as the alcoholic’s cognitive and affective states.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Azrin, N. H., Sisson, R. W., Meyers, R., & Godley, M. (1982). Outpatient alcoholism treatment by disulfiram and community-reinforcement therapy. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 13, 105–112.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beard, J. D., & Knott, D. H. (1971). The effect of alcohol on fluid and electrolyte metabolism. In B. Kissin & H. Begleiter (Eds.), The biology of alcoholism: Vol. 1. Biochemistry. New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beard, J. D., & Sargent, W. Q. (1979). Water and electrolyte metabolism following ethanol intake and during acute withdrawal from alcohol. In Majchrowicz and Noble (Eds), Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Alcohol (Vol. 2 ). New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bigelow, G. E., Stitzer, M. L., Griffiths, R. R., & Liebson, I. A. (1981). Contingency management approaches to drug self-administration and drug abuse: Efficacy and limitations. Addictive Behaviors, 6, 241–252.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, R. A., & Williams, R. J. (1979). The effects of cues of quantity visible and preferences on drinking by alcoholic and non-alcoholic subjects. British Journal of Social Psychology, 18, 99–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, R. A., & Williams, R. J. (1975). Internal and external cues relating to fluid intake in obese and alcoholic persons. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 84, 660–665.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cappell, H., & LeBlanc, A. E. (1983). The relationship of tolerance and physical dependence to alcohol abuse and alcohol problems. In B. Kissin & H. Begleiter (Eds.), The pathogenesis of alcoholism: Biological factors. (pp. 359–414 ). New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlen, P. L., & Wilkinson, D. A. (1983). Assessment of neurological dysfunction and recovery in alcoholics: CT scanning and other techniques. Substance and Alcohol Actions Misuse, 4, 191–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaney, E. F., O’Leary, M. R., & Marlatt, G. A. (1978). Skill training with alcoholics. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46, 1092–1104.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cicero, T. J. (1983). Endocrine mechanisms in tolerance to and dependence on alcohol. In B. Kissin & H. Begleiter (Eds.), The pathogenesis of alcoholism: Biological factors (pp. 285–357 ). New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cloninger, C. R. (1983). Genetic and environmental factors in the development of alcoholism. Journal of Psychiatric Treatment and Evaluation, 5, 487–496.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cloninger, C. R., Bohman, M., & Sigvardsson. (1981). Inheritance of alcohol abuse. Archives of General Psychiatry, 38, 861–868.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eckardt, M. J., & Ryback, R. S. (1981). Neuropsychological concomitants of alcoholism. In M. Gallanter (Ed.), Currents in alcoholism: Recent advances in research and treatment (Vol. 8 ). New York: Grune & Stratton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elkins, R. L. (1980). Covert sensitization treatment of alcoholism: Contributions of successful conditioning to subsequent abstinence maintenance. Addictive Behaviors, 5, 67–89.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Erwin, V. G., & McClearn, G. E. (1981). Genetic influences on alcohol consumption and actions of alcohol. In M. Gallanter (Ed.), Currents in alcoholism: Recent advances in research and treatment (Vol 8 ). New York: Grune Sr Stratton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ewing, J. A. (1983). New trends in biomedical research on alcoholism. Journal of Psychiatric Treatment and Evaluation, 5, 557–563.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foy, D.W., Miller, P. M., Eisler, R. W., & O’Toole, D. H. (1976). Social skills training to teach alcoholics to refuse drinks effectively. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 37, 1340–1345.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldfried, M. R., & Sprafkin, J. N. (1974). Behavioral personality assessment. Morristown, NJ: General Learning.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, D. W., Schulsinger, F., Hermansen, L., Guze, S. B., & Winokur, G. (1973). Alcohol problems in adoptees raised apart from alcoholic biological parents. Archives of General Psychiatry, 28, 238–243.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hemmingsen, R., & Kramp, P. (1980). Haematological changes and state of hydration during delirium tremors and related clinical states. Acta Psychiatric Scandinavica, 62, 511–518.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hemmingsen, R., Kramp, P., & Rafaelsen, O. J. (1983). Organic cerebral reactions in alcoholism: Psychobiological aspects of treatment. Substance and Alcohol Actions Misuse, 4, 225–234.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hodgson, R. (1984). Craving and priming. In G. Edwards & J. Littleson (Eds.), Pharmacological treatment for alcoholism. London: Groom Helm.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, G. M., & Azrin, N. H. (1973). A community-reinforcement approach to alcoholism. Behavior Research and Therapy, 11, 91–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kwentus, J., & Major, L. F. (1979). Disulfiram in the treatment of alcoholism. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 40, 428–446.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lawson, D. (1977). The dipsogenic effect of alcohol and the loss of control phenomenon. In M. Gross (Ed.), Alcohol intoxication and withdrawal: Vol. 3b. Studies in alcohol dependence (pp. 547–568 ) New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig, A. M., & Stark, L. H. (1974). Alcohol craving: Subjective and situational aspects. Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 35, 889–905.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig, A. M., Wilder, A., & Stark, L. H. (1974). The first drink: psychobiological aspects of craving. Archives of General Psychiatry, 30, 539–547.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A. (1985). Cognitive assessment and intervention procedures for relapse prevention. In G. A. Marlatt & J. R. Gordon (Eds.), Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors (pp. 201–279 ). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mathew, R. J., Claghorn, J. L., & Largen, J. (1979). Craving for alcohol in sober alcoholics. American Journal of Psychiatry, 136, 603–606.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meichenbaum, D. (1977). Cognitive-behavior modification: An integrative approach. New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mello, N. (1983). A behavioral analysis of the reinforcing properties of alcohol and other drugs in man. In B. Kissin & H. Begleiter (Eds.), The biology of alcoholism: The pathogenesis of alcoholism (Vol. 7, pp. 133–198 ). New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, P. M. (1972). The use of behavioral contracting in the treatment of alcoholism: A case report. Behavior Therapy, 3, 593–596.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. R. (1982). Treating problem drinkers: What works? Behavior Therapist, 5, 15–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. R. (1983). Controlled drinking: A history and a critical review. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 44, 58–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. R., & Hester, R. K. (1980). Treating the problem drinker: Modern approaches. In W. R. Miller (Ed.), The addictive behaviors: Treatment of alcoholism, drug abuse, smoking, and obesity. Oxford: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. R., & Munoz, R. F. (1982). How to control your drinking. Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. R., & Saucedo, C. F. (1983). Assessment of neuropsychological impairment and brain damage in problem drinkers: A critical review. In C. J. Golden (Ed.), Diagnosis and rehabilitation in clinical neuropsychology (pp. 141–195 ). Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nathan, P. (1980). Etiology and process in the addictive behaviors. In Miller (Ed.), The Addictive behaviors: Treatment of alcoholism, drug abuse, smoking and obesity. Oxford: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nathan, P. E. (1986). Some implications of recent biological findings for the behavioral treatment of alcoholism. Behavior Therapist, 8, 159–161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Page, R. D. (1983). Cerebral dysfunction associated with alcohol consumption. Substance and Alcohol Actions Misuse, 4, 405–421.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pardo, M. P., & Hall, T. B. (1983). Genetic implications of the alcohol-induced flushing response phenomenon in orientais. In M. Gallanter (Ed.), Currents in alcoholism: Recent advances in research and treatment (Vol. 8 ). New York: Grune and Stratton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, O. A. (1983). Cognitive dysfunctions and recovery in alcoholics. Substance and Alcohol Actions Misuse, 4, 175–190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pattison, E. M., Sobell, M. B., & Sobell, L. C. (1977). Emerging concepts of alcohol dependence. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rankin, H., Hodgson, R., & Stockwell, T. (1983). Cue exposure and response prevention with alcoholics: A controlled trial. Behavior Research and Therapy, 21, 435–446.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sargent, W. Q., Simpson, J. R., & Beard, J. D. (1975). Renal hemodynamics and electrolyte excretions after reserpine and ethanol. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 193, 356–362.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schuckit, M. A. (1982). A study of young men with alcoholic close relatives. American Journal of Psychiatry, 139, 791–794.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Siegel, S. (1983). Classical conditioning, drug tolerance, and drug dependence. In R. G. Smart, F. B. Glaser, Y. Israel, H. Kalant, R. E. Popham, & W. Schmidt (Eds.), Research advances in alcohol and drug problems (Vol. 7 ). New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tarter, R. E., & Alterman, A. J. (1984). Neuropsychological deficits in alcoholics: Etiological considerations. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 45, 1–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tarter, R., Alterman, A. J., & Edwards, K. (1984). Alcoholic denial: A biopsychological interpretation. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 45, 214–218.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thurman, R. G., Paschal, D., Abu-Murad, C., Pekkanen, L., Bradford, B. V., Bullock, K., & Glassman, E. (1982). Swift increase in alcohol metabolism (SIAM) in the mouse. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 223, 45–49.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, J. (1983). Alcoholism: Is a shift in paradigm necessary? Journal of Psychiatric Treatment and Evaluation, 5, 479–485.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, G. T. (1978). Booze, beliefs and behavior: Cognitive factors in alcohol use and abuse. In P. E. Nathan, G. A. Marlatt, & T. Lobert (Eds.), Alcoholism: New directions in behavioral research and treatment. New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Shaughnessy Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6H 3N1

    David M. Lawson

  2. Center for Stress and Anxiety Disorders, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, 12203, USA

    Michelle Craske

Authors
  1. David M. Lawson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Michelle Craske
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Wolfgang Linden

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1988 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Lawson, D.M., Craske, M. (1988). Biological Barriers in the Treatment of Alcoholism. In: Linden, W. (eds) Biological Barriers in Behavioral Medicine. The Plenum Series in Behavioral Psychophysiology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5374-4_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5374-4_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-5376-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-5374-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation