ALCOHOLISM IS A DISEASE. IT'S TIME WE STARTED TREATING IT LIKE ONE.<P>Science has offered undisputed proof that alcoholism is a disease rather than a weakness of character, yet millions of alcoholics continue to suffer due to inappropriate treatment. Now the co-author of the modern classic Under the Influence has teamed up with prominent alcoholism policy and treatment experts to examine the reasons why alcoholism continues to plague our nation in epidemic proportions.<P>Based on the latest scientific research, Beyond the Influence clearly explains the neurological nature of the disease and reveals why some people drink addictively while others do not. Beyond the Influence also spells out exactly what needs to be done to treat alcoholism, including: <BR>-- A step-by-step guide to intervention<BR>-- The crucial components of an effective treatment program<BR>-- The most successful types of psychological counseling<BR>-- The spiritual elements essential for recovery<BR>-- Methods for preventing relapses<BR>-- Nontraditional treatments, including diet, exercise, and acupuncture<BR>-- Ways to dispel the liquor-industry myth that alcohol is a benign drug that causes addiction only in those who "abuse" it<P>Provocative and eye-opening, compelling and compassionate, Beyond the Influence is not only a message of hope for alcoholics — it is a blueprint for saving lives.

Praise for Beyond the Influence:

"Comprehensive, balanced yet provocative, Beyond the Influence blends up-to-date research findings with practical knowledge about the cause and consequences of this disease. An excellent resource that resonates with courage and conviction."
--Ernest P. Noble, Ph.D., M.D., Pike Professor of Alcohol Studies, UCLA, and former Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

"A brave and lucid book...[that] will open many people's eyes and save many people's lives. A must-read for anyone dealing with alcoholism."
--Jeff Jay, president of the Terry McGovern Foundation and director of Program Development at Brighton Hospital, Brighton, Michigan

"A vital contribution for anyone who wants to understand the science of alcoholism, plus how to treat it."
--Claudia Black, Ph.D., M.S.W., author of It will Never Happen to Me

"A book of great importance...it furnishes a generous dose of hope...[and] a rallying cry for action."
--Jay Lewis, former editor and publisher of The Alcoholism Report

The co-author of the groundbreaking "Under the Influence" has teamed up with some of today's leading experts to offer this comprehensive and up-to-date look at alcoholism and its treatment, suggesting new steps for diagnosis, intervention, and treatment.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [299]-337) and index.

Katherine Ketcham is the author of nine nonfiction books, including five on alcoholism. William Asbury, former Editor-In-Chief of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, writes and lectures frequently on the nation's alcohol problems. Mel Schulstad is former president and co-founder of the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.

Dr. Arthur Ciaramicoli is director and chief psychologist of the Alternative Therapy Center of the Metrowest Medical Wellness Center in Natick, Massachusetts and is an instructor at Harvard Medical School.