THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE CYCLE OF ARREST FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION, DETENTION, RELEASE AND REARREST. ALCOHOL DETOXIFICATION PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED TO DIVERT PROBLEM DRINKERS FROM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. THE AUTHOR OF THIS BOOK SHARES HIS EXPERIENCES OF WORKING WITH ALCOHOLICS IN A CORRECTIONAL SETTING AND IMPLEMENTING A COMMUNITY DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM. HE BEGINS WITH A SURVEY OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF ALCOHOL TREATMENT/PUNISHMENT AND A HISTORY OF DETOXIFICATION TREATMENTS RANGING FROM THE 'HAIR OF THE DOG' METHOD TO THE USE OF MODERN THERAPEUTIC DRUGS. HE NEXT DISCUSSES THE PROCESS OF ESTABLISHING COMMUNITY - SPONSORED ALCOHOL DETOXIFICATION PROGRAMS. THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND THE NECESSITY OF INVOLVING EXISTING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND EXPERTISE ARE EMPHASIZED. SOURCES OF FUNDS AND IN-KIND SERVICES ARE NOTED. ONE CHAPTER IS DEVOTED TO THE CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED IN FINDING SUITABLE FACILITIES AND LOCATING THE PROGRAM IN AN APPROPRIATE PART OF THE COMMUNITY. ALSO INCLUDED IS A CHAPTER DEALING WITH 'TRANSITIONAL MANAGEMENT FACILITIES' (HALFWAY HOUSES). (SNI ABSTRACT)