Alcohol intoxication and withdrawal

The acquisition of new knowledge is a continuing process. As part of that process, it is helpful to take stock periodically. It is for this reason that these international symposia on experimental studies of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal will be held every two years. The first was held in Amsterdam in September, 1972. The proceedings were published by this press as Volume 35 in the series Experimental Medicine and Biology and was entitled Alcohol Intoxication and Withdrawal: Experimental Studies I. This volume contains the proceedings of the symposium in Manchester held in 1974. The next symposium is planned for 1976. There are several useful ways of taking stock. The one chosen for these symposia is to present the most recent findings in order to sharpen the focus on where we are now. It is for this reason that the papers in this publication present new data.

The topics range from molecular to clinical frames of reference in the conviction that, in studies of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal, ultimately it will all have to come together. In the meantime, each vantage point can challenge and stimulate the others. That the symposium took place, and the high quality of its content, are both tributes to the dedication, enthusiasm and caliber of the participants. Those who chaired each section, Drs. Ernest Noble, Sir Hans Krebs and his co-chairmen Charles Lieber and Richard Veech, Henri Begleiter, Ian Oswald and Arnold Ludwig, played critical roles in the selection of participants and conducting the proceedings. In addition, Drs. Charles Lieber and Richard Veech edited the papers in the biochemistry section. To them and to all the other participants goes my deepest appreciation and the credit for once again making the symposium something special.

It is essential to note that these proceedings are activities of the International Council of Alcoholism and Addictions. It is to the credit of its directors, Archer and Eva Tongue, that they had the vision to recognize the value of these symposia. Without heir support and encouragement, neither the symposia, nor my own task in organizing them would have been possible. For their friendship and help I am very grateful. I would also like to thank Drs. Brian Hore and Myrrdin Evans for the important parts they played in arranging for the symposium to take place in Manchester. Obviously a great deal of activity is involved before and after such a symposium. Mrs. Lee Davis played a central role in the preparations for the meeting and of this volume. I am deeply appreciative of her help. Before all else, for myself, I could never have carried out this task without the continuing love, encouragement and patience of my wife and children.