Surviving as a Controlled Drinking Therapist

In essence, conducting a controlled drinking programme is no different from conducting an abstinence programme, in that the therapeutic skills and structure of the treatment are the same. Only the drinking goal itself is different. The controversy regarding controlled drinking, however, has led to a greater degree of pressure being applied to those therapists who conduct controlled drinking programmes, particularly by colleagues. The factors required for the therapist to cope with this are detailed. It is also argued that, as controlled drinking appears to be most efficacious with drinkers other than those who attend traditional alcohol problem clinics, therapists need to seek out such clientele in other venues.