Alcohol

January 1, 2012

Cherpitel (senior scientist & associate director, National Alcohol Research Ctr.) and Rose (Prescription Painkillers) strive in this handbook to cover all the basic information. They start with the history of alcohol and the changes in cultural perception and public policy toward the most widely used drug over time. Useful charts and graphs describe the demographics of alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse. Later chapters clearly explain the most recent biological understanding of alcoholism, its risk factors, and the most effective treatments. Striking the right balance, the authors consider the controversies of personal responsibility for addictions and the spiritual aspects of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that make some uncomfortable. Chapters on AA and professional treatment approaches are particularly strong. The book's readability is similar to that of the "For Dummies" or "Opposing Viewpoints" series. VERDICT This basic reference work is a wise investment for libraries supporting a curriculum in social sciences and health care and for professional readers or patrons interested in learning more about one of society's most popular substances.--Fran Mentch, Cleveland State Univ. Lib.

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