bric of society. In future practice my approach will recognize that there are physiological and psychological aspects associated with problem drinking, but will reject the traditional disease theory. The traditional psychological, behavioral, and role theory perspectives position the source and cause of alcoholism solely within the woman. "These theory perspectives, [however], have failed to adequately explain the alcohol-dependent woman" (Lundy, 1987). The alternative theory, feminism, directs us towards a social understanding of the problem that illuminates the economic, political, and social conditions which produce or encourage 'personal' problems such as alcohol abuse.
             This alternative approach also advocates the type of helping programs which recognize both the social conditions under which such problems flourish and the responsibility of the problem drinker to come to terms with her social environment and the many difficulties it creates for her and other women. Such an approach requires a change of consciousness in thinking and a move away from 'personal' and individual solutions to more collective and social ones. The traditional conception of alcohol abuse is male constructed and male-led. It originated with the alcoholism movement of the 1930's and was spearheaded by Alcoholics Anonymous and the medical profession (Lundy, 1987). The disease model is still dominant and continues to be supported by the medical establishment, Alcoholics Anonymous and the alcohol industry. This model, however, is increasingly criticized for its inability to explain the continued increase in alcohol problems and offer effective treatment. In addition, the use of disease theories to explain behaviour have been particularly damaging to women and other disadvantaged groups. They
             ignore real problems that are not ensconced within their own pathology but which nonetheless impact upon their use of alcohol and other drugs. "In the case of a...