You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
Alcoholism is a psychological syndrome without a specific personality structure or dynamic structure. There are three types of alcoholic: neurotic, schizophrenic, and psychopathic. Excessive compulsive drinking may be: 1, self-punishment and simultaneous satisfaction of instinctual drives, as occurs in persons whose severe superegos inhibit love and hostility,—social disgrace is the price they pay for free expression of their urges; 2, aggression against the environment; 3, an aid to self-esteem; 4, a satisfaction of narcissistic needs for dependency.
Alcoholics seldom seek therapy voluntarily but come because pressed by their relatives. Before the alcoholic enters a group a psychological study is made and antabuse is given. The group therapist is not only an observer, but explains that each patient is also an adjunct therapist helping to explore the problems of his fellows. Magical expectations are discouraged and the need for effort emphasized. The participants learn to discuss their problems, to act out hostility, and to understand their transference reactions; greater sense of reality is thus gained. A brief trial of group psychotherapy for alcoholics resulted in an increase of self-esteem, improved relationships with others, higher tolerance of frustration, and a more adequate handling of hostility. Fifty percent of those patients seen once a week and eighty-one percent of those seen twice a week remained sober during the time of the sessions.