| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this investigation is to determine how a group of selected institutionalized alcoholics react to a broad-spectrum model in regard to their perception of treatment, re-integration into community life and general rehabilitation. The method that was employed to achieve this goal is fivefold. Firstly alcoholics were placed within a theoretical perspective by focusing on the etiology, nature, extent and
consequences thereof. Secondly the existing methods of treatment and the existing facilities available in South Africa were investigated. These two objectives were realized by means of a comprehensive literature study. Thirdly an empirical investigation was carried out of the
policy and philosophical approach as well as the application of the multi-disciplinary methods of treatment at the Avalon Treatment Centre. Information in this regard was gained during visits to the Centre by means of personal interviews with the team applying the treatment as well as the respondents reacted to the treatment model by means of case studies. Data was obtained by conducting unstructured in-depth interviews with the respondents. By this means respondents were identified in terms of their personality configuration, marital, scholastic, professional, religious and socio-economic status. The respondents' drinking behaviour is focused on in order to determine patterns and
tendencies in the development of the respondents' drinking problem. The researcher also followed up the respondents' behaviour over a period of two years to determine their re-integration within the community as well as their total rehabilitation. Valuable information about the respondents was gained during group therapy sessions and also meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous by means of participant
observation. As member of Alcoholics Anonymous the researcher was part of the group and on an equal footing with the respondents. The advantage this held was that the researcher was accepted by the group and information was passed on without inhibitions. Fifthly the findings, conclusions and recommendations resulting from the whole investigation are set out. From the investigation it would appear that the problem of alcoholism, especially in South Africa is serious and escalating. In the light of this, there is a growing need for effective
treatment. In spite of intensive treatment with complete abstinence general, degenerate as the aim of the treatment, the respondents, in
because of denial, resistance to treatment, personality and social configuration and also poor re-integration, reacted poorly to treatment. The present specifically be sharpened establishment study shows that institutional treatment and as applied by the Avalon Treatment Centre can in order to be more effective. The of a more realistic perception of alcoholism among alcoholics per se is foremost. A more "enlightened"
view of alcoholism is pleaded in terms of which alcoholism would be viewed as a non-stigmatised illness responding to treatment. The possibility that there will be a greater willingness on the part of alcoholics to submit to treatment is visualised. A more positive image of
treatment centres should be created while the problem of alcoholism must be approached with a greater measure of sensitivity. Treatment should be of such a nature that it should emphasize and reinforce a positive self-image, pride in oneself and dignity. A more extensive programme of treatment that would include an exploratory project and longitudinal research is pleaded. The desirability of involving other
key figures, important persons in the alcoholics life, and institutions as well as community organizations proposed with The traditional
emphasis should helping fall services is re-orientation and education in order on sensitising, to achieve a more positive perception and understanding of alcoholism within the community. This study will hopefully stimulate further research in this direction. | en_US |
