Critical Training Needs of Caregivers Working with the Woman Alcoholic

Abstract

The author intensively examines selected areas of education, training, and needed awareness for caregivers working with the woman alcoholic. The training of alcoholism and drug caregivers is viewed from a multi-dimensional perspective. He attempts to describe important issues which must be recognized and integrated into existing training efforts.

The writer considers four interrelated areas which should be incorporated into the total training experience, regardless of the type of treatment setting. First, he develops the need to view the training as a dynamic and rational process. Second, the writer stresses the importance of training and the need to include recognition of many different sub-groups of women alcoholics with many different developmental variations. Third, he provides approaches for assisting caregivers to acquire increased self-awareness and positive attitudes about women, and the need to identify and deal with harmful myths and stereotypes related to women in general. Fourth, the author describes how training efforts can better consider the special needs of the woman alcoholic during the entire process of care and treatment.