Some forms and expressions of hostility toward alcoholic patients have been outlined. Hostility toward the alcoholic by those
persons charged with the responsibility of aiding in his rehabilitation often perpetuates the drinking pattern. The hostility
may be expressed in an overt and conscious manner, or may operate so that both patient and therapist are unconscious of its
presence. Only in a warm and permissive atmosphere, can the alcoholic best be helped on the road back toward a less malignant
adjustment. Possible sources of the hostility may be: (1) Unrealistic goals which are more a reflection of the therapist's
hostility than an objective evaluation of the patient's potential. (2) Unconscious envy of the pleasurable aspects of excessive
drinking.
Doubtless, many more reasons exist; it will be necessary to explore these to gain the insight necessary to recognize, channelize
and dissipate the therapist's hostility. Thus we may at least move in the direction of a therapeutic milieu not only for alcoholics
but for all patients.
From Ypsilanti State Hospital, Ypsilanti, Mich. Presented before the Michigan State Hospital and Clinic Physicians Association
at Ionia, Mich., October 14, 1955.