Can Stanton Peele's Opinions Be Taken Seriously? A Reply to Peele

Abstract

In an article in the October-December 1988 issue of the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Stanton Peele expressed a number of opinions against alcoholism treatment and in favor of controlled drinking as a treatment goal for alcoholics. These opinions are examined critically and found to be contradicted by recent studies, empirical observations, and reinterpretations of earlier studies. It is concluded that marginal scholarship, partial and/or inaccurate representations of research, and inappropriate generalizations do not constitute the basis for drawing reliable and valid conclusions about alcoholism treatment or about controlled drinking as a feasible treatment goal for alcoholics.