The Problem Drinker and the Jail

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Abstract
The so-called "bottom drunk" in a prison situation where an attempt is made to bring about recovery. 80% of all men sentenced to this institution go there directly or indirectly because of their excessive use of alcohol. The question is asked and discussed, is alcoholism a sickness or a symptom. Stories of three recoveries accompanied by personality change are given. The facilities and methods used to influence change in personality are described. Around 75 inmate problem drinkers are under some degree of treatment at all times. Group therapy and Alcoholics Anonymous are both used as part of treatment. The entire group or "community" (entire prison population, 250) is also manipulated to help bring about change in the individual. An attempt is made to supply necessary basic social needs. Most problem drinkers are socially inadequate individuals; when they recover a change in personality takes place. An estimated 750,000 men pass through jails and town lock-ups in the U. S. in one year. 80% or 600,000 are probably repeaters and a problem. They should be held in detention institutions (not prisons) for an indefinite period for treatment leading to possible recovery.

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