From the President ofthe Research Society onAlcoholism - On behalf of
the Research Society on Alcoholism I welcome the important contri bution
that Volume 15 of this excellent series on Recent Developments in Alcoh-
ism brings to our field. It is not enough for our scientists to develop
effective and efficient methods to identify and treat alcohol abuse and
alcohol dependence; the availability of these services is often limited
and it is certainly nonexistent for the early problem drinker. In
nineteen outstanding chapters, Volume 15 deals with organizational
issues concerning access to and delivery of substance abuse treatment
and the role of managed care. Several chapters deal with economic
issues, cost-benefits, and - nancing of these services. Lastly, five
address recent treatment outcome studies. Thus, this volume will be of
great value to both scientists and practitioners. The Editor and
Associate Editors are congratulated for this conceptual and organi-
tional accomplishment. Yedy Israel, Ph.D.