Those who believe alcoholism is a disease tend to view alcoholics as victims of a medical condition. Although acknowledging that the alcoholic's behavior contributes to the addiction, such researchers usually focus on finding chemical, biological, or genetic cures for the addiction. Many dispute this theory, arguing that the causes of alcoholism vary from alcoholic to alcoholic and that treatment must target these various needs. In examining the effectiveness of AA, a number of papers written by AA participants tout its benefits in helping them achieve continued sobriety. Critics cite data to show that AA has a low percentage of successful outcomes and tends to be effective only with particular types of alcoholics. Three papers argue that alcohol advertisements encourage alcohol abuse and should be banned or at the very least be regulated as to content and the targeting of youth. Other papers maintain that there is no evidence that alcohol advertisements stimulate persons to drink; rather, they simply attempt to persuade existing drinkers to choose a particular brand of alcoholic beverage. A number of papers tout the benefits of self-help recovery groups for the adult children of alcoholics. Other papers argue that the recovery movement for adult children of alcoholics encourages them to focus on their weaknesses rather than their strengths, urges participants to unfairly blame their parents, and promotes self-centeredness and irresponsibility. The papers on alcoholism treatment focus on nutritional therapy, acupuncture, psychotherapy, physicians' warnings, the use of antidepressants, all-women treatment groups, and treatment designed for elderly alcoholics. A 59-item bibliography and a subject index