Early intervention in alcoholism: confrontational techniques.

Abstaining from use of a chemical that has provided a desirable sensation will not occur as long as the pleasure or relief derived from its use exceeds the unpleasant consequences--hence, the popular observation that an alcoholic does not stop drinking until he hits rock bottom. Waiting for rock bottom to occur, however, is fraught with physical and emotional risk both for the alcoholic and for the significant others in his life. The author describes two interventions designed to make the patient realize the gravity of the alcoholism problem. The first is conducted through conventional medical or psychiatric settings. The second consists of a collective, guided effort by significant persons in the patient's environment to confront the patient with specific details of his inebriety and with the changes they are prepared to make in their own lives if he does not enter treatment. The author also describes a treatment plan to be initiated after successful intervention.