Disadvantages of Eclecticism in the Treatment of Alcoholism: The “Problem” of Recidivism

Abstract

Recidivism had become a source of conflict at a social setting detoxification facility and had been defined by the staff as a major treatment problem. Data from admissions lists, interviews with staff and clients, and participant observation would indicate that recidivism was not a major treatment problem. It is suggested that the attempt by staff members to resolve contradictions derived from two rival etiological theories of alcoholism as embodied within the facility's detoxification regimen was responsible for the identification of recidivism as a major treatment problem. Treatment implications are discussed.