Psychoanalytic Approaches to Addiction (Current Issues in Psychoanalytic Practice, Monographs of the Society for Psychoanalytic Training, Number 3). Smaldino, Angelo (Ed.). New York:  Brunner/Mazel Publishers, 1991,  122 pages, $22.95.

While only 122 pages in length, this book is the bearer of a vital message-addiction can be understood and successfully treated by psychoanalysis and/or psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Seven psychoanalysts document this in compelling case material with theoretical support. This book records a noteworthy development. Historically, mental health professionals have avoided working with substance abusers, and those who did were often regarded as second-class professionals. These attitudes still prevail although they are diminishing in importance as evidenced by this publication.

In the 1940s, a number of mental health practitioners, mainly psychiatrists, attempted to work with alcoholics. Regrettably, their efforts failed. Even more regrettable, their experiences were reported in a number of journals and succeeded in dampening the potential interest of other therapists. In the years that followed an occasional voice would cite the feasibility of treating addicted populations, providing the therapist was in control of countertransference. In recent years, more interest in therapeutic treatment of addiction has developed. This interest was sparked by marketplace demands and the spread of employee assistance programs which