To Have But One True Friend: Implications for Practice of Research on Alcohol Use Disorders and Social Network.

Abstract

Although social networks play an integral role in the recognition and resolution of drinking problems, social network influences may be positive, negative, or mixed. The author reviewed empirical literature on positive and negative aspects of the structure of problem drinkers' social networks, the impact of the social network on problem recognition, social network predictors of treatment outcomes, treatments that involve the social network in treatment, and posttreatment changes in social network structure and functioning. Future directions for research and clinical implications of research findings are discussed.