Abstract
Conceptualizing alcohol abuse as a disease may not be the most effective approach for the majority of clients experiencing problems with alcohol. Alcohol abuse is a heterogeneous problem for which brief interventions may be a more appropriate treatment modality for those with mild to moderate difficulties. Twelve-step and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) approaches may be more suitable for those experiencing substantial to severe problems. Utilizing Prochaska and DiClemente's stages of change (Pro-choska, DiClemente, Norcross, 1992) can assist in assessing the client's readiness for certain types of treatment programs and optimize opportunities to intervene effectively.