Profile of the Alcoholic Jew

One factor contributing to low rates of alcoholism among Jewsis the understanding that this in not a Jewish problem. Recognitionand treatment of the disease, when it does occur, is delayedwhen the Jewish community and/or professionals deny its existence.Sixteen recovered alcoholic Jews described their family background,exposure to alcohol, attitudes about drinking and drunkenness,history of alcoholism and recovery. They drank primarily torelieve stress and psychic discomfort; social drinking was minimal.Shame was increased because they interpreted their behaviouras non-Jewish. Treatment was impaired because of the lack ofculturally congruent facilities. No differences in attitudewere detected between Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and secularJews.