ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the rationale behind the separate identity process and examines two consequences: the divisiveness over the issue of “straight alcoholism” versus “broad brush” occupational programs; and the thwarting of the California plan to combine the Office of Alcoholism with the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Straight alcoholism/broad brush aside, the recovered alcoholic experience has at least united both sides of this issue on the value of occupational programs. Steeped in the knowledge that most people seek treatment only after they have been arrested, lost their families and/or their jobs, both sides agree that “the best motivation tool we've found so far is the paycheck”. In California, Senator Gregorio, in March, 1977, proposed breaking up the Department of Health, the biggest department in state government, into a number of smaller departments “designed to be more visible and more accountable”.
