Moral Factors Involved in Patient Acceptance of Treatment at a Clinic for Alcoholics

Abstract

<p>This thesis investigates the moral attitudes of patients towards alcoholism, and the relationship between these attitudes and the patients' attendance record at an out-patient clinic for alcoholics. Incorporated within the thesis is a discussion of the definition of alcoholism as an illness and/or the definition of alcoholism as morally wrong and stigmatized. This is reviewed through the pertinent literature and studies of public opinion, medical and social control agencies. A questionnaire designed to explore the attitudes of patients towards alcoholism as morally wrong and/or illness was employed. The results obtained from the questionnaire are compared against the patients' subsequent attendance at the clinic. Discussion of theoretical work and suggestion for further study are included within the thesis.</p>