Alternatives to Abstinence: A New Look at Alcoholism and the Choices in Treatment

This relatively recent compilation of treatment methods for alcoholism is a well-researched summary of alternatives to the popular AA-style abstinence method. The book has an agenda, as will any work on this subject--Ogilvie asks why, in a world where medical treatments are increasingly being tailored to fit the individual, treatment methods for alcoholism other than complete abstinence are so controversial. A very useful resource.

Sometimes it seems like 12-step programs have taken over the world! Their adherents zealously insist that the 12 steps/AA is the ONLY way to cope with alcoholism. This book presents a welcome escape from the tyranny of 12 steppers. In a thoughtful, balanced way, the author reports that there really are other answers for alcoholics, answers that might suit some of them much better than abstainence programs do. She carefully examines all sides of the abstainence argument and details a variety of alternative programs. In addition to the very readable narrative, the book contains an extremely valuable appendix that describes more than a dozen different programs/organizations and gives contact information for each as well as a list of therapists who offer moderation training.

I liked this book because it describes different options than the only one I knew about before I read the book -- Alcoholics Anonymous. As a person who is not particularly religious, the idea of giving up drinking completely AND beginning a new religion at the same time was never going to happen. Now I have some ideas to help me try to cut back, and see if that will work for me. If not, maybe I'll try one of the other groups mentioned in the book. Easy to read, too! Also liked all the web addresses for help and research.

A well-written, easy-to-understand review of a very controversial topic. While I'm not 100% convinced that alcoholics can truly learn to drink in moderation, the author raises many interesting points, and this is certainly no work of fluff. A thought-provoker for anyone who has to deal with alcoholism or alcoholics.

I know of many people who have a drinking problem who don't want to stop drinking (socially, etc) and others who can't stop drinking. This book is a real eye-opener for those who thought that the only way to deal with a drinking problem is to quite cold turkey. The author did a good job presenting the information in an easy-to-understand way and I thought the section on the history of alcohol in the United States was very interesting and gave perspective on our notions that liquor is a "demon". I have passed my copy on to a friend who is a family counselor and she is already recommending it to her clients.