To-Morrow We'll Be Sober

ToMorrow We'll be Sober. It was not until a SubCommittee on Alcoholism was set up by the World Health Organisation in 1951, that the size of the problem throughout the world became apparent, even to the experts themselves. Hitherto the alcoholic had been hardly worthy of serious scientific study, being regarded by the medical profession as well as by lay people as the subject of moral weakness rather than as a victim of a disease and as such, deserving of being treated as a sick person by his relatives, friends and doctor. The effects of alcoholism are far-reaching and affect not only the patient himself but also his wife, children and other members of the family, and indeed anyone who comes into contact with him whether in the home, at work or during his leisure hours. In many countries it is a major public health problem. Dr. Lincoln William's book is lucidly written and gives a clear picture of the problem of the alcoholic and alcoholism, including an outline of modern methods of treatment. The sections dealing with the evolution of the alcoholic and the distinction between the alcoholic and the heavy drinker are particularly well done. This is a book which can be recommended with confidence to the potential patient as it should help him to gain insight into his condition, to the patient's relatives who will learn that he is someone to be treated and not despised, and finally to his family doctor.