Sally L. Satel

Some problem drinkers are not alcoholics and can learn to control their intake of alcohol, claims Sally L. Satel in the following viewpoint. Proponents of abstinence-only programs refuse to admit that there is a distinction between alcoholics and problem drinkers, and they erroneously claim that all problem drinkers who reject abstinence are simply in denial about their alcoholism; however, research shows that some problem drinkers can in fact drink in moderation, maintains Satel. To force problem drinkers to choose abstinence, she argues, denies many people the treatment they need. Dr. Satel, a psychiatrist who works in a Washington methadone clinic, is author of PC, M.D.: How Political Correctness Is Corrupting Medicine.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Satel’s view, what two events rekindled the controversy about...