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Abstract

If we define alcoholism as:â�?�?A chronically relapsing diseaseâ�? we are, in effect, admitting that our treatment programs are inadequate. No one expects 100% of persons treated for alcoholism to emerge transformed from a usually troubled habitual drinker of toxic amounts of ethanol into a happy, flourishing person who does not drink. However, if we attended to what has scientifically been discovered, treatments can be transformed, hence allowing for transformation of our clients. We can continue to hope for some magical, spiritual transformation to finally bring enlightenment to those beset by the disease of alcoholism. Or, we can hope for eventually discovering a medicine fixing the inherent problem of the alcoholic. Or, for the better, we can incorporate recently derived knowledge and step by step design treatments that will make relapse to drinking toxic amounts of ethanol uncommon rather than a definition of a problem needing resolution. I will show that prescribing naltrexone is merely a setting condition for correcting the toxic effects of ethanol on brain that, in turn, has reduced the cognitive ability to make the needed changes in life-styles to support continuing abstinence. Although we used to think that a brain once damaged was not repairable, I will show that he can provide computer-assisted game-like programs that will undue the cognitive decline caused by chronic intoxication thereby enhancing the ability to resist temptations, be less impulsive and develop new life-styles. New knowledge directs us to focus on cognitive rehabilitation for improving treatment outcomes.

Biography