A review of the recent literature relating to the training of medical students in alcoholism.

The author in this paper reviews the recent literature relating to the education of medical students in the area of alcoholism. These articles, from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, are divided into the following topics: attitudes toward alcoholism, measurement of increased knowledge about alcoholism, the status of training in alcoholism, descriptions of alcoholism training programs, and methodological approaches to assessing such programs. While teaching in alcoholism is increasing, the training needs to be expanded even more. The focus of the training should be on experiential/clinical approaches rather than on the more prevalent approach of using lectures in nonclinical settings and should be on changing medical students' attitudes so they will be more understanding of alcoholics and more optimistic about their treatment.