ABSTRACT
The attack on the Sobells’ research appeared in written form in a draft paper which was circulated among the alcoholism treatment and research community during the earlier part of 1982 and a revised version of this was published in the journal Science on 9 July. The subjects in the Sobells’ study were seventy male, gamma alcoholics who showed evidence of physical dependence on alcohol and who were typically lower-class individuals with several previous hospitalizations for alcoholism treatment. The results of the follow-up provided positive evidence in favour of the controlled drinking treatment approach. The integrity of the Sobells’ research came under attack very soon after the completion of the treatment trial. The Sobells became aware of this projected investigation and there then followed a long and protracted legal battle over access to the list of names and details of subjects. The Committee had available to them a huge amount of material to aid their investigation.
