Alienation from self and others: the psychosocial problem of rural alcoholic women

The purpose of this study was to describe women's perspectives in becoming and being alcohol dependent. Using grounded theory techniques, 14 adult Black and White women receiving treatment for alcohol addiction at rural substance abuse centers participated in an intensive interview. Data analysis focused on the identification of the basic psychosocial problem and the process of becoming alcohol dependent. The results are presented in 2 parts. Part 1, "Alienation From Self and Others," focuses on the basic psychosocial problem faced by women in becoming alcohol dependent. Part 2, "Running Away to Nowhere," on page 142 of this issue of Archives, describes the process used by women to resolve this problem.