The Society for the Study of Addiction: temperance, treatment or tolerance? (1930-1961)

The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the main themes which highlighted the work of the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA) in Britain through the years 1930-1961. The major focus of this paper is on alcoholism with special reference to alcoholism treatment. After presenting some general background during this historical period of the Society, three themes will be discussed: visible changes within the treatment framework, sobriety and the argument of strain, and the rise of the alcoholism treatment unit.