The Myth of “One Drink”

Author(s)

Linda C. Sobell, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Mark B. Sobell, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
William C. Christelman, Patton State Hospital

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1972

Publication Title

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume

10

Issue/Number

2

First Page

119

ISSN

0005-7967

Last Page

123

Abstract/Excerpt

Two studies are reported. An interview investigation explored the familiarity with and connotations of the expression, “First Drink, Then Drunk,” for 30 alcoholics; and, by reviewing the data of 214 alcoholics who had become intoxicated to some degree as a result of experimental procedures, a test of the validity of the expression was conducted. It is concluded that a literal interpretation of the expression is invalid. If there is any validity to the statement, it is directly a function of motivational states. The effects of these findings are discussed in terms of treatment implications.

DOI

10.1016/S0005-7967(72)80004-4

Comments

This investigation was supported (in part) by Public Health Service Grant No. 1 RO 1 MH 16547-01. The opinions or conclusions stated in this paper are those of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as necessarily reflecting the policy of the Department of Mental Hygiene.

NSUWorks Citation

Sobell, L. C., Sobell, M. B., Christelman, W. C. (1972). The Myth of “One Drink”. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 10(2), 119-123.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/20