The authors provide a detailed psychosocial analysis of their research into the results of therapy in the out-patient treatment of alcoholics. It is a perceptive multidisciplinary approach written within the framework of psychoanalytic awareness, and points to the discouraging and minimal rewards accruing from any treatment program for alcoholics, as well as for addiction problems in general. They verify the fact that only a minority of well-motivated and selected alcoholics may benefit from psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

The authors make a number of suggestions for the implementation of a treatment program seeking limited goals. If followed these should enhance the value of any comprehensive therapeutic procedure.

Drs. Gerard, Saenger, and their associates are to be commended for their efforts in this thankless task. Their conclusions are worthy of review by anyone engaged in treating addiction disorders.