From A Medical, Psychiatric, Individual Problem to A Public Health–Social Problem: The Development Over Time of The Israeli Governmental Alcohol Treatment System

Abstract

The article deals with “historical treatment system research”, and reviews data which contribute information on treatment as a system. It summarizes the development over time (1948-1994) of the Israeli governmental alcoholism treatment service and patterns of interaction among its components. The development has been elucidated by looking at four eraes, 1948 (the establishment of the State)–1974 (psychiatric treatment), 1974-1982 (introduction of outpatient centers and A.A.), 1982-1991 (introduction of residential treatment), and 1991-1994 (major administrative reorganization). As alcohol problems have increased and changed from personal problems into social concerns, the treatment system has changed from mental-hospital orientation into social service orientation, from few psychiatric wards into alcohol centers throughout the country, a residential center, a hostel and even A.A. groups.

Key Words:

• Alcoholism
• treatment system
• Israel