Children of Alcoholism: A Survivor's Manual

If one or both of your parents were alcoholics ... you are still suffering, and you care not alone.

At least 22 million American adults were raised by an alcoholic parent, and nearly all of them live with scars -- both psychological and physical -as a consequence. Coming from homes filled with loneliness and terror, children of alcoholics grow up unable to lead lives free from inexplicable guilt, deep insecurity, lack of self-esteem, and intense sadness. Now there is help.

Chidren of Alcoholism exposes "the terrible family secret" and draws on interviews with over 200 survivors to share the realities of family alcoholism, such as the frequent occurrence of child abuse, the ruined family holidays, the "crazy" fantasylike atmosphere of the alcoholic home. Childern of Alcoholism also discusses in detail how survivors can:

• tend to become alcoholics themselves, or marry alcoholic partners

• confront addictive behavior, including alcoholism

• recognize symptoms

• openly discuss drinking with their own children

Filled with invaluable techniques for reversing destructive patterns and extensive information on therapy and peer support groups Children of Alcoholism offers objective, sympathetic advice on how to come to terms with the past and how to seek additional help if necessary.