Phases in the Drinking History of Alcoholics: Analysis of a Survey
Conducted by the Official Organ [Grapevine] of Alcoholics Anonymous
E.M.
Jellinek, ScD Research Associate (Professor), Applied Physiology,
Yale University
Quarterly
Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Vol. 7, 1-88, 1946
“Main Implications of
the Survey
The most significant
suggestion emanating from the Grapevine survey is that, aside from
emotional and ideational processes which may have led to alcoholism,
there are true changes of attitudes and conducts which are contingent
upon the social consequences of the excessive drinking as well as
upon its physical stresses. Many of these conduct changes, which
develop on the average after 5 to 10 years of excessive drinking,
create the appearance of a clinical neurosis. That in a large
proportion of alcoholics either only this superimposed "neurotoid"
behavior exists, or that it prevails over early personality
conflicts, is indicated by the great simplicity of means which serve
to relieve a large number of alcoholics and to "keep them dry."
The possible bearing on therapy of the structures superimposed by the
social and physical stresses of excessive drinking demands further
investigation.”
Cheerio
