Alcohol expectencies and treatment: a review of the literature

Abstract

This paper reviews the main issues in alcohol expectancy research, and identifies how these findings can best be used in substance abuse treatment. The paper includes a review of literature on theoretical perspectives of alcohol expectancies, different types of related testing instruments, and early research in alcohol expectancies. It also includes research related to the role of alcohol expectancies in predicting behaviors, preventing alcohol abuse or dependency, and the treatment of alcohol dependence. This review also includes implications for the use of alcohol expectancies in treating and preventing alcohol dependence, as well as recommendations for future research.