Toward a Multivariate Analysis of Alcohol Abuse

Basic research on heredity and alcohol: Implications for clinical application

“…The multivariate approach to alcohol dependence has suggested at least four reinforcement contingencies for alcohol use or avoidance of alcohol use and subsequent dependence (Caddy, 1977). Table 13 lists positive biologic reinforcers for alcohol use such as "enjoyed the taste" or "to help one sleep" and positive psychosocial reinforcers for alcohol use such as "just to be sociable" or "to relieve boredom."…”

Assessment of alcohol use with multidimensional concepts and measures.

“…The idea of describing alcohol use problems in terms of multiple patterns has been championed by several theorists of the older literature (e.g., Clinebell, 1956;Keller & Seeley, 1958) as well as by some whose writings have appeared in recent years (e.g., Caddy, 1978;Hart & Stueland, 1979;Pattison, 1982). Pattison (1982), for example, has opined that the "general consensus now at hand is that there are multiple types of alcoholics and drinking problems, requiring a spectrum of therapies appropriate to type of problem."…”

“…Pattison observes that the survey results of Cahalan and Room (1974), and the follow-up results of Fillmore (1975), Hyman (1976), andGoodwin et al (1975), seriously question single-process and single-disease theories of alcoholism. Similarly, Caddy (1978) cites a broad array of evidence that seriously questions the plausibility of singular-concept theories of alcoholism. Evidence from our own research reinforces these conclusions (Foster, Horn, & Wanberg, 1972; We are grateful to our co-worker of many years, F. Mark Foster, who contributed to our thinking in many ways.…”