In this congressionally mandated study, an expert committee of the Institute of Medicine takes a close look at where treatment for people with alcohol problems seems to be headed, and provides its best advice on how to get there. Careful consideration is given to how the creative growth of treatment can best be encouraged while keeping costs within reasonable limits. Particular attention is devoted to the importance of developing therapeutic approaches that are sensitive to the special needs of the many diverse groups represented among those who have developed problems related to their use of "man's oldest friend and oldest enemy." This book is the most comprehensive examination of alcohol treatment to date.

From the President ofthe Research Society onAlcoholism - On behalf of the Research Society on Alcoholism I welcome the important contri bution that Volume 15 of this excellent series on Recent Developments in Alcoh- ism brings to our field. It is not enough for our scientists to develop effective and efficient methods to identify and treat alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence; the availability of these services is often limited and it is certainly nonexistent for the early problem drinker. In nineteen outstanding chapters, Volume 15 deals with organizational issues concerning access to and delivery of substance abuse treatment and the role of managed care. Several chapters deal with economic issues, cost-benefits, and - nancing of these services. Lastly, five address recent treatment outcome studies. Thus, this volume will be of great value to both scientists and practitioners. The Editor and Associate Editors are congratulated for this conceptual and organi- tional accomplishment. Yedy Israel, Ph.D.