This book provides a review and analysis of 1000 studies on alcoholism and psychosocial treatment. In this English edition, which has been extensively revised from the original Swedish version, the author evaluates with admirable clarity the major conceptual approaches to alcoholism, the debate on which has been intense during the last few years (ie whether alcoholism should be regarded as a disease or not, the importance of psychosocial versus genetic factors, etc.). He analyzes the methodological strategies of comparative outcome research and suggests administrative solutions to matching clients and treatments, and looks at alcoholism treatment services from the perspective of public health. This work should be of interest to professionals and students of alcohol problems, addiction behaviour, psychotherapy, counselling, and health administration.