Under the Influence: A Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism
by James Robert Milam, Katherine Ketcham
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Book Summary Information
Author: James Robert Milam, Katherine KetchamEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Published: 1984-07-01
ISBN: 0553274872
Number of pages: 256
Publisher: Bantam
Book Reviews of Under the Influence: A Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism
Book Review: Desperately needing updating
Summary: 2 Stars
This book is nearly thirty years old. Surely there is a better, more contemporary explanation of alcoholism. The author's thesis is that alcoholism is an entirely physiological phenomenon, caused by the inability of the alcoholic's liver to adequately process acetaldehyde, an intermediate by-product of alcohol metabolism. In the past thirty years, has medical science agreed on this thesis, or has it been rejected? One won't find the answer reading this book.
Certainly, AA has not accepted the two recommendations made by the authors: (1) that AA reduce its emphasis on a moral inventory that includes the alcoholic's behavior while drinking and (2) that AA stop recommending the use of sugar and sweets. AA continues to promote a moral inventory -- and the use of sweets (not to mention coffee and smoking) is widespread in AA. Anyone reading this book before going to AA will be very surprised and perhaps put off.
Also, the author's thesis does not really explain the more recent observations that alcoholics appear to be more susceptible than other people to other addictions, not only to drugs, but also to behavioral addictions like gambling, sex, food, and shopping. Authors like Patrick Carnes (on sex addiction) and Kay Sheppard (on food addiction) note this connection.
We need a better book to provide the background to people who are encountering alcoholism in themselves or their loved ones. This book is a classic, but it's best left as a historical artifact, not as the last word on the subject.
Summary of Under the Influence: A Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism
Ten of millions Americans suffer from alcoholism, yet most people still wrongly believe that alcoholism is a psychological or moral problem, and that it can be cured by psychotherapy or sheer will power. Based on groundbreaking scientific research, Under The Influence examine the physical factors that set alcoholics and non-alcoholics apart, and suggests a bold, stigma-free way of understanding and treating the alcoholic.How to tell if someone you know is an alcoholic.
The progressive stages of alcoholism.
How to get an alcoholic into treatment -- and how to choose a treatment program.
Why frequently prescribed drugs can be dangerous -- even fatal -- for alcoholics.
How to ensure a lasting recovery.
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