Alcoholism counsellors must have multiple models - both in research methodology and in psychodynamic formulation - with which to organise and comprehend data. With this in mind, the author has updated and expanded material in this second edition. Beginning with the chemical and pharmacological aspects of alcoholism, the book goes on to examine the medical and then the social, anthropological and psychological underpinnings. Aside from revising findings and demographics, the main change is a broadening of the clinical sections, including discussion on new treatment techniques like acupuncture and network therapy. As in the first edition, this remains an informational text, imbuing the reader with an understanding of how various treatment modalities work and what they do best. In addition to its use as a textbook for alcoholism counselling students and as source material for substance abuse counsellors, this volume is also accessible to the general reader, recovering persons, and family and friends of both active and recovering alcoholics.