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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice
Published on: January 7, 2019
How should alcohol dependence be treated? The public view
Erica de Toledo Piza Peluso1, Sérgio Luís Blay
1Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, 04023-900 São Paulo, Brazil. pelusoe@terra.com.br
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|June 28, 2008
Summary
Public preferences for alcohol dependence treatment favor lay support and psychotherapy over medical interventions. Greater public education on formal treatment options is needed for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Social Psychiatry
Background:
- Alcohol dependence is a significant public health issue.
- Understanding public perceptions of treatment is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess public preferences for alcohol dependence help sources and treatments.
- To evaluate public perception of prognosis for alcohol dependence.
Main Methods:
- A 2002 household survey of 500 adults in São Paulo, Brazil.
- Used a vignette describing alcohol dependence (DSM-IV/ICD-10) and a structured questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Lay people, self-help groups, and psychologists were preferred over medical professionals.
- Psychotherapy and general activities were recommended; medical treatments were viewed as potentially harmful.
- Identification of alcohol dependence as mental illness, religion, and education influenced perceptions.
Conclusions:
- Public perception suggests a need for more information on formal and professional alcohol dependence treatments.
- Current public views may hinder access to evidence-based medical interventions.
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