Alcoholism and Drug Dependency

Alcoholism and drug dependency have become the second largest health problem in the United States today. In some sections of the country it has reached epidemic proportions. In the United States there are approximately 12 million alcoholics and drug dependents. Each of these persons affects the lives of at least 4 other persons who also will be in need of professional help. Thus, we are considering 48 million people who suffer directly or indirectly from alcohol or chemical dependency (HEW, 1978). For the Adlerian clinician, teacher, counselor, or parent it becomes an immediate and constant challenge to first detect the problem, and then do something concrete to help these individuals and their families recover from this illness.